Exeter loan deal inspires Paver Pirates promotion aim

Paver last faced Exeter Chiefs in September 2008

Cornish Pirates prop Alan Paver says his loan to Premiership side Exeter Chiefs has ignited his passion to lead the Pirates to the top flight.

Paver, 33, was signed by the Chiefs on Wednesday as cover after a series of injuries and international call-ups.

"This week has really fired up my passion for the Pirates being in the Premiership," he told BBC Cornwall.

"It shows that with real hard work and determination we could mirror what Exeter have done," Paver added.

If Paver were to play against Saracens on Saturday he would become the first player since Dan Parkes in 2005 to have played for all three leading West Country rugby clubs.

Paver began his career at Plymouth Albion in 1999 before moving to the Pirates in 2002.

"Being in a Premiership set up and being involved in a game at the weekend is very exciting and something that I've aspired to do," Paver said.

"The difference between Championship and Premiership is the fractions, that little bit quicker to the ball, a little bit better players.

"From somewhere I'm going to have to find 10-15% more and it's going to be fractions in every area," Paver added.