By Phil Westren Cornish Pirates’ media officer
When rugby starts again at the Mennaye Field on Friday 30th August, the already well-publicised match between the Cornish Pirates and a Cornish Clubs XV (ko 7.30pm) promises to be part of a celebratory festival weekend.
Popular ‘Kernow King’ will entertain at the Mennaye Field
Not only rugby on Friday, there is also a triangular tournament on the Saturday (ko 5pm) involving the Cornish Pirates, Cinderford and St. Austell, and it has been decided that one ticket (1 two day festival pass) will cover admission to both days – see ticket information below.
The special game scheduled for the Friday evening takes place as part of a more collaborative and inclusive approach towards Cornish Rugby and will celebrate the opening of the Pirates’ new floodlights and hospitality facilities.
The Cornish Clubs squad will be drawn from all Cornish clubs, thus providing a great opportunity for one player from each and every club to take the field against professional players who will this season be competing in the Greene King IPA Championship and British & Irish Cup competitions.
All Cornish clubs are being asked to nominate three players from whom the final squad will be selected, and the chosen squad will then be coached by ‘Benji’ Thomas, Gavin Cattle and Alan Paver.
The Cornish Clubs XV will also be provided with a specially designed and cleverly impressive playing shirt, displaying the county of Cornwall image and incorporating names of the clubs. The players are also being asked to wear their club shorts and socks (Barbarians-style!), and each player representing their clubs will also be invited to bring along their club’s mascot, suitably attired in their club colours and/or flag, if possible.
It is envisaged that all of the clubs will help make this a truly festive rugby occasion, displaying all that is best in Cornish Rugby, with a big crowd expected.
Besides the new floodlights, a new PA System, plus a new and upgraded Marquee hospitality facility, the immensely popular ‘Kernow King’ will be in attendance throughout, with other entertainment also provided by popular band ‘Blue Horizon’ and others. There will also be face painting and a Hog Roast.
Ticket information: As mentioned above, one ticket will cover the matches being played on both the Friday and the Saturday. Tickets priced £15 for Adults & Concessions and £1 only for children under 16 (under 5s are free), can be purchased on-line at www.cornish-pirates.com and from the Cornish Pirates ticket office 01736-331961, open Monday to Friday from 9am – 12 noon.
They will also be available at the gates on the match days.
Season Ticket holders should note that their season ticket covers their admission to the games but for stand season ticket holders it does not guarantee them their chosen seat. The advice is to arrive early – note the gates and hospitality tent on each day will be open two hours before kick-off.
