Pirates relaxed ahead of final pool game

Posted on Apr 20, 2012 in Championship, Cornish Pirates, English Rugby

With a place in the semi-finals secured, the Cornish Pirates will travel to Leeds Carnegie on Saturday relaxed and keen to give a good account of themselves in their final Pool B game.

There are several changes to the side from the one that beat Bedford Blues 21-20 at the Mennaye Field last Sunday, thus giving a number of players a chance to impress.

Commenting ahead of this weekend’s game, head coach Ian Davies said:

"In a ‘no pressure’ fixture such as this Leeds will clearly be keen to sign off their season with a win, whilst it is an opportunity for us to give certain personnel both game time and an opportunity to stake a claim for to wear the shirt in the semi-final."

The kick-off on Saturday at the Headingley Carnegie Stadium is at 3pm.

Cornish Pirates: G. Pointer, R. McAtee, A. Suniula, T. Cooper, D. Doherty, A. Penberthy, T. Kessell, B. Maidment, K. Marriott (capt), D. Ewers, M. Smith, L. McGlone, R. Brits, R. Elloway, R. Storer.
Replacements: C. Rimmer, D. Ward, C. Morgan, P. Burgess, J. Doherty, C. Thomas, S. Hill.

Thomas steps down as RFU CEO

Posted on Nov 30, 2011 in English Rugby, RFU

Stephen Brown took over the role of Acting CEO from Martyn Thomas as of yesterday, Tuesday, November 29.

As previously stated, Martyn Thomas will also on December 16 relinquish the chairmanship of England Rugby 2015 , the directorship of European Rugby Cup Ltd and step down from the International Rugby Board Council and the Six Nations Committee.

Martyn Thomas said: “Stephen has increasingly taken over the day to day running of the RFU since I announced on November 2 that I would not be renewing my contract after December 16. He has demonstrated in the time that he has been at the RFU that he is immensely capable and this has been underlined once again in the last few weeks. It is therefore entirely logical that he takes on the role of acting CEO as soon as possible. He is highly respected by the staff and I have every confidence that he will provide the stability and leadership needed until a new permanent CEO takes office.

“It has been an honour to serve the Union, most recently as Acting CEO where I have been lucky enough to get to know the staff who continue to work so hard for the good of the game. They are led by a superb Executive. The RFU has much to look forward to, not least hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2015 and I wish them well.”

RFU Chairman Paul Murphy said: “Our thanks go to Martyn for all the time and effort he has invested on behalf of the RFU in England over the years. Much credit in particular must go to him for the decision to award England the hosting of the Rugby World Cup in 2015.  I have said before that Stephen Brown is a great asset to the Union and we have every confidence that he will have a positive influence during this transitional period until the new CEO takes office.”

Pirates looking to bounce back to winning ways

Posted on Oct 21, 2011 in Championship, Cornish Pirates, English Rugby

Having lost at home to Bedford Blues and then drawn away to Nottingham, the Cornish Pirates will be keen to bounce back to winning ways at home to Esher on Sunday (ko 3pm).

The Pirates welcome back fly-half Ceiron Thomas from injury, thus enabling Rob Cook to return to his accustomed full-back role, and James Doherty is named to skipper the side, taking over from club captain Gavin Cattle at scrum-half.

In the forwards, starting roles are handed to No. 8 Ben Maidment and lock Mike Myerscough, taking over from Blair Cowan and Laurie McGlone, whilst on the bench there’s a seat for centre Andrew Suniula, who has arrived in Cornwall this week after having experienced Rugby World Cup action playing for the USA in New Zealand.

The Cornish Pirates, who lost 13-12 away to Esher in February, will naturally respect the challenge of the ‘EEEs’, as despite them presently lying at the foot of the league table they have gifted performers and a good team spirit to as ever pose a threat.

The sides named for Sunday are as follows:-

Cornish Pirates: R. Cook, G. Pointer, D. Locke, S. Hill, D. Doherty, C. Thomas, J. Doherty (c), B. Maidment, P. Burgess, C. Morgan, I. Nimmo, M. Myerscough, R. Brits, R. Elloway, P. Andrew.

Replacements: C. Rimmer, T. Cowan-Dickie, L. McGlone, B. Cowan, T. Kessell, A. Suniula, R. McAtee.

Esher: R. Kirby, C. Walker, P. Mackenzie, A. Wright, T. Loizedes, M. Atkinson, C. Stuart-Smith, C. Goodman, S. Stitcher (c), M. Macfarlane, I. Kench, P. Parker, R. Boot, S. Mackie, O. Mines.

Replacements: J. Gethings, S. Renwick, J. Campbell, M. Symons, C. Ingall, S. Edgerley, J. Mackenzie.

Referee: Michael Tutty (RFU) Assistants: Shane Lewis & Steve Leyshon

Waldrom flies out as cover for Easter

Posted on Sep 19, 2011 in England, English Rugby, Rugby News, Rugby World Cup

Leicester Tigers No 8 Thomas Waldrom (pictured) will fly out from England tonight (Monday) as precautionary cover for Nick Easter who continues to have treatment on his back.

Waldrom, part of the extended Rugby World Cup Preliminary Squad, will arrive in  New Zealand on Wednesday (September 21). He is not an official replacement for Andrew Sheridan.

England Team Manager Martin Johnson said: “Nick Easter is still suffering from a sore back so we will be bringing Thomas out as temporary cover. We’ve obviously spoken to Leicester and Thomas will be flying later today.”

Thomas joins England Women’s EPS

Posted on Sep 14, 2011 in England, English Rugby, Women's Rugby

Wasps hooker Geraldine Thomas has been called up to the England Women’s Elite Playing Squad (EPS) for the 2011/2012 season.

Thomas replaces Richmond hooker Emma Croker who has withdrawn from the squad this season for personal reasons.

Thomas has previously played England Under 20s rugby and will now join the EPS squad who will contest a three test series against New Zealand this autumn as well as the RBS 6 Nations.

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