Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2026 continues when they play their second pool match in this seasons Jason Leonard Cup. They travel to Burnham-on-Sea RFC where they will face Somerset U20 with a 1430 kick off time.

CRFU President Andy Reed said, “Following the rearranged game and victory over Devon, it sees Cornwall on top of their pool having earnt maximum points. It was also a pleasure to be able to present and see the “Brunel Cup” return to Cornwall for the first time since 2022. This side was relatively new to championship rugby with a lot of new players representing 10 different clubs, but they played as team throughout the 80 minutes.”.

Cornwall have named Oscar Marr (Penzance and Newlyn) as the captain for this game, alongside him is another new player this season, Jack Sherratt (Helston) who was the vice-captain and won player of the match.

Coach Rich Kevern said – “We had a good start to this season’s campaign against a very good Devon side who performed well. We need now to concentrate on what we have covered in training and put that into practice on the field v Somerset. Somerset have home advantage and will take comfort from holding us to a draw in last seasons fixture. More importantly the players realised the importance of an 80-minute performance and ensuring Devon went away with no points from the game, which could prove crucial when the pool stages end”.

Cornwall’s coaching set up this season, are well established Rich Kevern an ex U20 player and Brad Howe. Always keen to encourage young coaches into the game we see ex senior county player David Mankee assisting the backs with Rich and joining us this season Jack Hazleton assisting Brad with the forwards.

Cornwall Captain Oscar Marr said, – “We have all had time to reflect on the game against Devon and realise there are areas that we need to work and build on. We were a virtually new squad this season with 18 of the 23 players playing their first championship game and although we have trained together that was our first competitive game in this year’s championship. There are a lot of players training and no one’s shirt is guaranteed, and we must prove to the coaches we are worthy of selection including myself. I know the effort these guys have put in on Sunday mornings and if we can replicate that v Somerset, put in 100% commitment then hopefully the result will follow”.

Cornwall won their first game against Devon 46 – 15 in front of a large crowd of well over 350.

The CRFU Chair Steve Murley said, -” It was a pleasing performance in this rearranged fixture on a blustery day at Redruth RFC. Although Cornwall went behind early in the game, they showed resolve and grit to not only come back and dominate in all areas but also to earn a well-deserved 5 points and the Brunel Cup. Although 23 players took to the field, thanks must go to the others who have been training, the coaches, medics and back-room staff who all put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to enable these guys to represent Cornwall”.

There will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities with the Under 20’s team and matches, any individuals or companies that may be interested are asked to contact the CRFU in the first instance. Commercial-development@crfu.co.uk

Email – ljc80@aol.com

Mob – 07967054826

Bill Hooper

Cornwall RFU Assistant Hon Sec

13/04/2026

Cornwall Under 20: Barney Lewis, Bracken Headland (both Newquay Hornets), Sam Blake (Truro), Robbie Paul (Redruth), Oli Roberts (Camborne), Oscar Marr (Penzance & Newlyn, Capt), Alfie Brooksbank (Camborne); Rosko Troughton (Helston), Ted Hocking (Penzance & Newlyn), Callum John (Launceston), Ed Boaden (Helston), Jack Sherratt (Helston), Oli Mount (Penryn), Fin Robinson (Redruth).

Replacements: Leo Armstrong-Lever (Helston), Archie Beetles (Wadebridge Camels), Riley Raikes (St. Austell), Dan Kent (Wadebridge Camels), Jake Walker (Camborne), Marley Johns (Redruth), Tom Tanswell (Penryn), Ethan Taylor (Redruth).

TAMAR CUP

DEVON 26 – 20 CORNWALL

By Bill Hooper at Brickfields

Devon regained the Tamar Cup following a pulsating match at the Brickfields that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.

Cornwall took the field led out by skipper Mark Vian roared on by the travelling faithful from Trelawny’s Army.

Devon kicked off with Cornwall immediately handing the advantage to the Green & Whites as they knocked the ball on.

Cornwall dealt with that initial threat as they won the turnover allowing James Tucker to clear.

Tucker kicked to the Devon twenty-two, the ensuing lineout was lost but Devon had infringed allowing Ben Hancock to take a quick tap and go, Stan Somers burst through the line brought down short Cornwall went again but were held up over the line, a let off for Devon, however the referee had been playing advantage so Cornwall had another bite of the cherry. Tucker kicked to the corner, Vian won the lineout ball and the Cornish pack drove furiously to the Devon line, but yet again they were denied being help up Devon skipper Tom McGratton under the ball.

Devon almost scored a try following a good break but Charlie Tummon got under the ball, however Devon were building pressure.

Cornwall lost a player to the bin for a deliberate knock on, from the scrum Devon moved the ball wide for Tom Davies to score an unconverted try.

Cornwall weathered another Devon attack allowing Tucker to clear. Devon messed up the lineout allowing Cornwall to make good ground as play was switched back Hancock made a good drive slipping the ball to Ollie Bebbington who danced around the Devon defence to dot down under the sticks.

The strong win hampered Tucker’s conversion attempt which ended up wide.

Devon won the ball from a lineout moving the ball wide, before the forwards took the ball up with Jamie Hext dotting down under the sticks, Mitch Pinkus with the conversion.

Cornwall looked to get back before the break but conceded a penalty that gave Devon field position. Devon won the lineout moving the ball wide before Pinkus sliced through the Cornwall defence to score and convert his own try for a 19-5 half-time lead.

Cornwall made a fast start to the second half but couldn’t breech the Devon defence, a breakout by the Green & Whites almost saw a try for Davies but Bebbington saved the Cornish.

With Pete Harris having come on at half time Cornwall began to use their bench, Olly Derry and Rohan Ewels giving the front row some energy. In the back row Hector Bright came on and was soon carrying hard.

Cornwall eventually got a break when a poor pass from Pinkus was hacked on by Tucker who collected the ball to score and convert his own try.

It was just the boost Cornwall needed, a penalty kicked by Tucker brought Cornwall even closer to Devon on the scoreboard and set up an exciting finale.

Which way would the game swing? Devon piled on the pressure and with Cornwall on a final warning a quick tap 5 meters out saw the ball moved wide with Ben Saunders breaking the line to pop a pass to Kyle Felton to score the vital try, Pinkus added the extras making it 26-15 to Devon.

Cornwall had the final word when Bebbington went in for his second try in the corner.

The final whistle confirmed it was Devon’s year.

Cornwall: Ben Rosevear (Redruth), Rhys Williams (Helston), Jamie Stanlake (St. Austell), Josh Semmens (Penzance & Newlyn), Ollie Bebbington, James Tucker, George Hillson (all Launceston); Declan Prowse (Penzance & Newlyn), Rory Mead, Charlie Short (both Launceston), Tom Daniel, Mark Vian (both St. Austell), Charlie Tummon, Ben Hancock (both Launceston), Stan Somers (Penzance & Newlyn).

Replacements: Pete Harris (St. Austell), Olly Derry (Wadebridge Camels), Rohan Ewels (Redruth), Freddie Saxton (Bude), Hector Bright (St. Austell), Ed Hillman-Cooke (Bude).

Cornwall scores: Tries Bebbington (2), Tucker, Con Tucker, Pen Tucker

TASC Paul Bawden Trophy Cornwall man-of-the-match: James Tucker

JASON LEONARD CUP UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

CORNWALL U.20, 46 – 15 DEVON U.20

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground Redruth.

Cornwall Under 20s produced a storming second half performance to shock last season’s finalists in this competition and in the process reclaim the Brunel Cup played for between the two sides.

In front of a packed grandstand Cornwall began playing up the slope.

Devon looked the stronger side early on taking the lead through a try scored by Rob Hennessy, who also added the conversion.

A penalty kicked to the corner by skipper Oscar Marr put Cornwall 5 meters out, from the catch and drive Ted Hocking went close. Devon gave away a penalty and from a tap man-of-the-match Jack Sherratt crashed over for an unconverted try.

Hennessy nudged Devon further ahead with a penalty before Alfie Brooksbank intercepted a Devon pass on half-way making good ground before his well-timed pass put Marr in for the try, which was bettered by Robbie Paul.

Cornwall defended just before keeping Devon out as they stormed the line, Hocking seeing yellow for an infringement. The score remained 12-10 to Cornwall at the break.

Cornwall came out fired up for the second half, Barney Lewis put in a great run following turnover ball from Sherratt.

A Cornish scrum 5 meters out saw a big drive from the black and gold pack with Fin Robinson scoring on his home ground, Paul missed the conversion but he made up for it moments later with a penalty to put Cornwall two scores ahead.

Devon weren’t finished back they came with a superb try in the corner finish off acrobatically by Nyakallo Makate.

That was as close Devon would get as Cornwall scored twenty-six unanswered points during the final quarter. Sherratt bagged his second, with Lewis Riley Raikes and Bracken Headland all crossing the line. Conversions from Paul and two from Headland completed the scoring.

Cornwall Under 20’s head coach Richie Kevern was delighted with his side’s showing. “I am delighted with this win, Devon have been finalists for the last two seasons, so to beat them is a feather in our cap. We knew this was going to be a tough one. We have worked hard the last few weeks and I was pleased the boys stuck to the game plan giving us the reward at the end.

“First half I thought our half-backs Alfie Brooksbank and Oscar Marr controlled the game well, Oscar put us in good positions. The pack also put in a huge effort, second half our forwards really put us on the front foot, the whole squad fully contributed today with the replacements bringing energy at the right time.”

Cornwall U.20s: Barney Lewis, Bracken Headland (both Newquay H), Sam Blake (Truro), Robbie Paul (Redruth), Jack Jones (Penryn), Oscar Marr (Penzance & N), Alfie Brooksbank (Camborne), Rosko Troughton (Helston), Ted Hocking (Penzance & N), Callum Johns (Launceston), Ed Boaden (Helston), Oli Wells (Redruth), Jack Sherratt (Helston), Oli Mount (Penryn), Fin Robinson (Redruth)

Replacements: Leo Armstrong-Lever (Helston), Archie Beetles (Wadebridge C), Riley Raikes (St. Austell), Dan Kent (Wadebridge C), Joel Pryor (Redruth), Jake Walker (Camborne), Ethan Taylor (Redruth), Dan Navas (St. Austell).

Cornwall U.20 scores: Tries Sharratt 16, 69 Marr 26, Robinson 49, Lewis 71, Raikes 73, Headland 78, Cons, Paul 27,72, Headland 74,79 Pen Paul 64

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2026 finally gets underway with their rearranged first fixture in the Jason Leonard Cup. The team hosts local rivals Devon for their first pool game of the competition on Sunday 29^th March 2026. The game will be played at Redruth RFC with a 1430 kick off time, the Brunel Cup played for between the two sides will also be up for grabs.

CRFU President Andy Reed said, “It will be great to get this season underway with this rearranged fixture against our next-door neighbours Devon. Unfortunately, the weather meant that the condition of several of the pitches throughout the county were not available. Understandably host clubs have their own league fixtures to play, and we are very grateful that they allow county matches to be played at their venues”.

Cornwall had named Jack Jenkin (Helston) as the captain for the season, alongside him a new player this season, Oscar Marr from Penzance and Newlyn, who was the vice-captain. However, an injury to Jack in the warmup game v Cornwall Clubs means Jack is no longer available. Oscar will take over as captain and vice-captain will be Jack Sheratt from Helston.

Coach Rich Kevern said – “This will be a test for this new set of young players. We start a fresh with a whole group of new players entering the competition for the first time along with a few players from last season. Devon have had the advantage of playing one fixture already, having taken on Somerset at Sidmouth RFC”.

Cornwall’s coaching set up this season, is well established Rich Kevern as the head coach, and ex U20 player and Brad Howe as the forward’s coach. Always keen to encourage young coaches into the game we see ex senior county player David Mankee assisting the backs again with Rich, and joining the team is Jack Hazelton another county player assisting Brad with the forwards. LJ Collick remains as the team manager.

Cornwall Captain Oscar Marr said, – “It was an honour to be asked to be vice-captain of the side for this season, however due to the unfortunate injury to Jack I will now be taking on the role of Captain for this game. I know the guys are up for a tough campaign as always and have trained well in preparation for this game. This is my first season with the 20’s and I know that it is a tough competition, and we will have to perform at our best in every game. We have had great numbers at training, and I know some guys will be disappointed not to be in the team, but this is a squad for the season so keep pushing us for those places, nobody’s shirt is fixed. For those who will run out with me on the 29th, we have a big task ahead of us but I’m confident in our ability”.

Cornwall ‘s second pool game will be Somerset away on Sunday 19th April at Burnham on Sea RFC with a 1430 kick off time.

The CRFU Chair Steve Murley said, -” The vagaries of U20 rugby mean we can lose up to 50% of our squad every year through age qualification. Any player who is named in match day squad during the season at level 4 i.e. Camborne or Redruth first team, makes them ineligible for consideration for the competition. That means this season alone we have lost about 10 potential players. So, we start to build again with a mixture of players transitioning from the U18’s, new players identified and nominated from clubs around the county. For those joining the U20s, it is part of their rugby education adapting to different teammates, coaches and patterns of play. Our U20s have a great record of rising to these challenges and it is always a pleasure to see them progress and develop as a team”.

Entry on the day will be via the purchase of a match programme at a cost of £5, with Under 16’s having free entry. 

There will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities with the Under 20’s team and matches, any individuals or companies that may be interested are asked to contact the CRFU in the first instance.

Email – commercial-development@crfu.co.uk

Bill Hooper

Cornwall RFU Assistant Hon Sec

23/03/2026

Cornwall U20 v Devon U20

Sunday 29^th March @ Redruth RFC 1430 kick off.

Coaches – Rich Kevern, Brad Howe, David Mankee, Jack Hazelton

Team Manager LJ Collick

Medical cover – Hen Gard + Ronnie Bartlett

Kit – Paul Hurrell + Colin Hatch, Photographer Simon Bryant, Match Day filming David Burrows, Multimedia – Kevin Bishop

This is an Appeal for the safe return of the TRELAWNY’S ARMY “TONY PILL MEMORIAL CUP”

Trelawny’s Army are the custodians of this Trophy which is awarded annually at the Boxing Day Rodda’s Cup match alternately held at Redruth RFC and Camborne RFC.

It is presented to the “man of the match” and held by the recipient’s club for one year, in accordance with the Pill Family’s wishes.

This has taken place without issue for many seasons, however on Boxing Day 2024, Jamie Prisk (Redruth RFC) was awarded this trophy and he, as requested, placed it in the Clubhouse. Redruth Chairman Dave Penberthy is confident that the trophy was seen in the Trophy Cabinet during the year.

However, in December 2025, Trelawny’s Army Officer, Bill Hooper was unable to obtain the trophy prior to the Boxing Day Rodda’s Cup 2025 and after various conversations and searches by Redruth RFC Staff and Officers the Pill Trophy remains “missing.”

TRELAWNY’S ARMY ARE PREPARED TO OFFER A REWARD OF £25 FOR THE RETURN OF THIS TROPHY

NO QUESTIONS OR EXPLANATIONS WILL BE REQUIRED, WE ARE RELYING ON THE HONESTY AND INTEGRITY OF THE PERSON OR PERSONS INVOLVED TO RETURN THIS CUP WHICH IS THE PROPERTY OF TRELAWNY’S ARMY SUPPORTERS CLUB.

If you know of this trophy’s location or wish to return it in confidence,

Contact me,

Phil Trevarton

Trelawny’s Army Chairman on 01726 338608

Or email trevartonx2@gmail.com

Cornwall’s Bill Beaumont Cup fixtures and Exeter Chiefs XV fixture confirmed.

CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 The Jason Leonard Cup.

Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2026 gets underway with their first fixture in the Jason Leonard Cup. The team hosts local rivals Devon for their first pool game of the competition on Sunday 22^nd February 2026. The game will be played at Redruth RFC with a 14:30 kick off time.

CRFU President Andy Reed said “It is great to get this year’s competition off with a tie against Devon. The winners will also be presented with the Brunel Cup, which is played for annually between theses 2 great rivals. We thank all our sponsors for their support and assistance with this group of players in this important game representing Cornwall. It is fantastic to see so many different clubs represented, and we thank them for their support to enable these fixtures to be played”.

Cornwall had named Jack Jenkin (Helston) as the captain for the season, alongside him a new player this season, Oscar Marr from Penzance and Newlyn, who was the vice-captain. However, an injury to Jack in the warmup game v Cornwall Clubs means Jack is no longer available. Oscar Will take over as captain and vice-captain will be Luke Young from Redruth.

Coach Rich Kevern said – “This will be a good test for this new set of young players. We start a fresh with a whole group of new players entering the competition for the first time. Playing Devon is never easy, playing Devon in the very first game of the season will be an even bigger challenge for these guys”.

Cornwall’s coaching set up this season, is well established Rich Kevern as the head coach, and ex U20 player and Brad Howe as the forward’s coach. Always keen to encourage young coaches into the game we see ex senior county player David Mankee assisting the backs again with Rich, and joining the team is Jack Hazelton another county player assisting Brad with the forwards. LJ Collick remains as the team manager.

Cornwall Captain Oscar Marr said, – “It was an honour to be asked to be vice-captain of the side for this season, however due to the unfortunate injury to Jack I will now be taking on the role of Captain for this game. I know the guys are up for a tough campaign as always and have trained well in preparation for this game. This is my first season with the 20’s and I know that it is a tough competition, and we will have to perform at our best in every game. We have had great numbers at training, and I know some guys will be disappointed not to be in the team, but this is a squad for the season so keep pushing us for those places, nobody’s shirt is fixed. For those who will run out with me on the 22nd, we have a big task ahead of us but I’m confident in our ability”.

Cornwall ‘s second pool game will be Somerset away on Sunday 19th April at Burnham on Sea RFC with a 1430 kick off time.

The CRFU Chair Steve Murley said, –”The vagaries of U20 rugby mean we can lose up to 50% of our squad every year through age qualification. Any player who is named in match day squad during the season at level 4 i.e. Camborne or Redruth first team, makes them ineligible for consideration for the competition. That means this season alone we have lost about 10 potential players. So, we start to build again with a mixture of players transitioning from the U18’s, new players identified and nominated from clubs around the county. There are a number of these players who will be around for the next 2 seasons, and we are always on the lookout at new talent who can come into the squad and join them over the coming seasons. For those joining the U20s, it is part of their rugby education adapting to different teammates, coaches and patterns of play. Our U20s have a great record of rising to these challenges and it is always a pleasure to see them progress and develop as a team”.

Entry on the day will be via the purchase of a match programme at a cost of £5, with Under 16’s having free entry. 

There will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities with the Under 20’s team and matches, any individuals or companies that may be interested are asked to contact Tanya Thomas of the CRFU in the first instance.

Email – commercial-development@crfu.co.uk

Bill Hooper

Cornwall RFU Assistant Hon Sec

16/02/2026