The Cornish Pirates return to cup action this weekend when they welcome Richmond to Mennaye Field on Saturday (2.30pm).

The Pirates impressively won their opening block of three Championship Cup games played in November and they will be keen to continue their good form in the competition. 

The teams have already met twice this season, –the Pirates winning 21-14 at home in the league last September and then 62-7 away to Richmond at the start of November. 

The Pirates make several changes in their starting XV for the cup encounter, including a return to action for fit again fly-half Harry Bazalgette.

In the forwards, for both hooker Morgan Nelson and Royal Marine lock forward Josh Williams it will be their first competitive match starts for the team, whilst after a lengthy spell out injured replacement lock Steele Barker will be eager to make his first appearance of the season.

Also listed among the replacements is prop Hayden King, who returns to the fold following injury and then game-time acquired on loan at Plymouth Albion. Finally, Royal Navy captain Jarrard Hayler, who has been loan at at Redruth, is in line for a second appearance of the season, having made his first also against Richmond in last November’s cup win.   

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s match, Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Gavin Cattle said: “As we return to cup action our aim is to win our home games and ultimately strive for a home semi-final.                                                                       

“It is also good to have a fresh focus and, whilst keeping a certain continuity, there are as usual a few changes with boys being blooded back into the team and there a couple of different combinations as well.

“Scrum-half Ali Stacey, who was on the bench last week and only joined us a few days earlier from Cardiff Uni to provide short term cover, could potentially make his debut for the team. A product of the Pirates youth section he has trained very well and is enjoying the experience.”

Saturday’s will be refereed by Devon official Sara Cox. Tickets are available on the game or online.

Cornish Pirates: 15 Will Trewin 14 Arthur Relton 13 Garyn Smith 12 Joe Elderkin 11 Robin Wedlake 10 Harry Bazalgette 9 Alex Schwarz; 1 Olly Adkins 2 Morgan Nelson 3 Harvey Beaton 4 Josh Williams 5 Will Britton 6 John Stevens (captain) 7 Will Gibson 8 Seb Nagle-Taylor.  

 Replacements: 16 Will Crane 17 Matt Johnson 18 Hayden King 19 Jarrard Hayler 21 Ali Stacey 22 Shae Tucker 23 Carwyn Penny.