Cornish Pirates swoop for seven new signings

Cornish Pirates have unveiled seven new signings ahead of next season including centre Ryan Westren from Launceston.

Westren will be joined at the Mennaye Field by fellow centres Tom Cooper (Newport Gwent Dragons) and Andrew Suniula (Chicago Griffins).

Plymouth Albion scrum-half Tom Kessell also makes the move west, while fly-half Ceiron Thomas arrives from Premiership club Leeds.

Wing David Doherty and number eight Ben Maidment have also put pen to paper.

Doherty has spent the last season with Jersey in National Two South, having previously turned out for Wasps, Sale Sharks and England Sevens.

Maidment leaves Cambridge to join the Pirates, having also made nine appearances for Moseley in the Championship this season.

Leeds fly-half Thomas, who made 14 appearances for the Premiership side last season, previously spent six seasons playing for Llanelli Scarlets.

Pirates boss Chris Stirling said: "The coaching staff are very excited with the quality of the new signings.

"We strongly believe that these new additions will strengthen the squad and enable us to move forward and be a stronger team next season. "