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

Cornwall President’s XV, 27 – 19 Crawshay’s Welsh

By Bill Hooper at the Recreation Ground

In an entertaining game the President’s XV got the better of their Welsh visitors on a heavy, sticky Camborne pitch.

Playing up the slope first half the President’s XV enjoyed early pressure, however as is often the case in games when players come together at short notice the error count was high.

Eventually the President’s XV got the first try scored by Redruth’s Finn Wolstencroft from a short-range drive.

A sweeping move from the President’s XV deserved a score with centres Cam Fogden, Jamie Stanlake and scrum-half Ben Rosevear all involved, only desperate Crawshay’s defence denying the try.

Crawshay’s came more into the game, a fine run down the grandstand touchline by Kristian Jones led up to their opening try scored by skipper Matt Jacobs. Joseph Scrivens adding the extras for the lead.

Crawshay’s continued to press President’s full-back Ben Wragg had to be alert to prevent a Crawshay’s try touching down in goal.

Just before half-time Crawshay’s got their second try through wing Ben Evans, Scrivens again on the money with the conversion. 14-5 to Crawshay’s at the break.

The President’s XV got off to a great start at the beginning of the second half. Fine play from Ben Plummer and Stanlake set up Rosevear for an unconverted try.

A yellow card for Crawshay’s put them under further pressure, Ben Hancock went close for the President’s XV before Hector Bright having just come on powered over for an unconverted try and regain the lead for the President’s XV.

Bright then managed to exploit some confusion in the Crawshay’s line to bag his second try of the game before the industrious Hancock completed the President’s haul of tries which Oscar Marr converted.

Crawshay’s had the final say when Evans went in at the corner late in the game. St. Austell’s centre Jamie Stanlake was named man-of-the-match.

Cornwall PresidentsXV: Ben Wragg, Ben Plummer, Cam Fogden, Jamie Stanlake, Ollie Bebbington, Oscar Marr, Ben Rosevear; Declan Prowse, Rory Mead, Olly Derry, Tom Daniel, Mark Vian (Capt), Charlie Tummon, Ben Hancock, Finn Wolstencroft.

Replacements (all used): Levent Bulut, Ethan Pearce-Cowley, Archie Rolls, Rupert Edwards, Hector Bright, Dan Tyrrell, Ed Cooke.

Crawshay’s Welsh: Lewis Bates, Ben Evans, Matthew Jacobs (Capt), Kristian Jones, Dan Dunmore, Joseph Scrivens, Jakob Williams; Lewis Pryce-Jones, Aneurin Jenkins, Josh Gay, Seth Butler, Jake Duffy, Will Gregory, Shaun Tennant, Evren Ozbilen.

Replacements (all used): Archie Ivens, Efan Passmore, Michael Van den Berg, Logan Woskett, Dylan Roberts, Reuben Lynch, Kallum Rosser, Jake Lloyd.

Referee: Will Williams (Cornwall RRS)

Former Launceston and Cornwall player Billy Searle, currently having a great season with Leicester Tigers starts, for England A against an Ireland XV in Limerick on Friday night. Also in the side is Harelquins Cadan Murley, who has family links to Penzance.

Congratulations guys.

The following is from CRFU Chair, Steve Murley.

It is with deep sadness that we record the passing of Richard Sharp OBE, the former England and British & Irish Lions fly-half whose fine sporting talent was matched by a quiet dignity and unwavering sportsmanship. He died on 3 November 2025 at the age of 87.

Born on 9 September 1938 in Bangalore, India, to a mining engineer father educated at the Camborne School of Mines and a mother born in Redruth, Cornwall, Richard’s early life was rooted in the South West. After the family moved to England, he was educated at Montpelier School and then at Blundell’s School in Devon, before reading at Balliol College Oxford, where he won three rugby Blues between 1958 and 1961.

From his Cornwall heritage he developed a lifelong loyalty to his home county’s sporting life, both in rugby and cricket.

Richard began his club career with Redruth RFC in Cornwall, representing the club and his county with commitment and flair. At county level he played 28 times for Cornwall between 1957 and 1966. He also played for Wasps and Bristol as well as the famed Barbarians RFC.

Internationally, he earned 14 caps for England between 1960 and 1967, and captained the side, most notably leading England to the 1963 Five Nations title. In 1962 he was selected for the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa, playing in two Test matches.

His style on the field was celebrated for its elegance and precision — one contemporary described him as “probably the most elegant fly-half England ever had”.

Richard also made his mark in cricket representing Cornwall County Cricket Club in the Minor Counties Championship between 1957 and 1970, qualifying as an all-round sportsman of the Duchy.

Across his many roles—clubman, county stalwart, international captain—Richard Sharp was widely admired for the manner in which he carried himself. His conduct both on and off the field was marked by humility, fairness and respect for opponents. Many in Cornwall still recall not only his brilliance at fly‐half, but his generosity of spirit, his willingness to mentor younger players, and his steadfast loyalty to his roots. He was awarded an O.B.E. in 1986.

Though the records seldom quantify such attributes, those who encountered him remember him as a gentleman in every sense of the word.

Richard will be remembered not simply for the tries scored, the caps won or the tours undertaken—but for the person he was: quietly assured, respectfully modest, unwavering in his support for Cornwall and his sporting communities.

His passing will be mourned by his family, his many friends in Cornish and English sport, and all who valued not only his athletic talents but his character.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and to the communities—rugby, cricket, Cornwall—that he enriched so deeply.