Cornish Pirates welcome new league champions Jersey Reds to the Mennaye Field tonight (7.30pm), for what will be the first Championship Cup semi-final of the weekend.

An injury hit squad means there are several changes in the Pirates team from the one that faced Richmond away in last weekend’s final league game of the season. 

There are five in a rejigged back line which sees Arwel Robson return at fly-half, Carwyn Penny selected at full-back, and Arthur Relton on the wing. Garyn Smith and a fit again Rory Parata will also form a new centre pairing. 

In the forwards, Will Crane is named at hooker and, with skipper John Stevens to wear the number 6 shirt, Will Gibson starts at open-side flanker.                                                                                                                                       

Pirates joint head coach Gavin Cattle said: “Firstly, we must congratulate Jersey on winning the league, which is of considerable credit to them. A magnificent team this year, and with a great set piece, they will inevitably be keen to do the double.

“Following last week’s game at Richmond, where we picked up certain unfortunate injuries, we have endeavoured to look after bodies a bit and prepare mentally ahead of this week’s match, when we need to feel right physically and then strive to give of our best.

“It will be a massive challenge and a bit of a battle for our spirited players. They have shown great heart this season, and to be played in front of an expected big crowd – our 16th man – we’ll do what we can for what is in our control.”

Tickets for the game will be available at the gates from 5.30pm today; they can also be purchased online.

Cornish Pirates: 15 Carwyn Penny 14 Will Trewin 13 Rory Parata 12 Garyn Smith11 Arthur Relton 10 Arwel Robson 9 Tom Kessell; 1 Jack Andrew 2 Will Crane 3 Matt Johnson 4 Steele Barker 5 Will Britton 6 John Stevens (captain) 7 Will Gibson 8 Ben Grubb. 

Replacements: 16 Morgan Nelson 17 Marlen Walker 18 Hayden King 19 James Fender 20 Max Norey 21 Alex Schwarz 22 Joe Elderkin 23 Ruaridh Dawson.

Referee: Dan Jones.

Assistants: Veryan Boscawen & Simon Adams.

Official 4: Paul Box.

PR/Coach: Brian Campsall.