Cornish Pirates sign back-rower Charlie Walker-Blair

Walker-Blair has also played on the wing for National South Two side Taunton

Cornish Pirates have signed Charlie Walker-Blair on a dual registration agreement with the Exeter Chiefs.

The 23-year-old back-rower, who was injured for much of last season, is the fifth Chiefs player to dual register with the Pirates recently.

He follows Tom Cowan-Dickie, Dave Ewers, Lloyd Fairbrother and Sam Hill.

Pirates' high-performance manager Chris Stirling said: "In discussions with [Exeter head coach] Rob Baxter, Charlie was strongly recommended."

Baxter added: "A move to the Pirates, who are a very good side, is fantastic news for us, him and the Pirates."

The Cornish side were runners up to Worcester in the Championship play-offs last season and are targeting promotion to the Premiership this term.

Walker-Blair scored 12 tries in eight outings on the wing for Taunton last season, where he was playing on another dual registration deal.

A knee injury ended the former Minehead player's season early, but Walker-Blair believes his physical presence means he has considerable potential in the back-row.

In addition to the five players dual-registered with the Pirates, Exeter boss Baxter has also organised similar deals for six Chiefs' players with Plymouth Albion to ensure academy players get as much match-practice as possible.