Cornish Pirates confirm Gavin Cattle as captain

Cornish Pirates have reappointed long-serving scrum-half Gavin Cattle as captain ahead of the new season.

The 33-year-old will embark upon his seventh season as skipper.

During Cattle's time as captain, the Pirates won the EDF Energy National Trophy in 2007 and the British & Irish Cup in 2010.

"Gavin remains as captain as he is proven leader and has been an inspirational captain on so many occasions," said head coach Ian Davies.

"It is important too that we have as many leaders as possible on the field, so we will look to others to captain the team during the season to gain that leadership experience.

"Although Gavin is the appointed captain, he still has a battle on his hands for the number nine shirt with Tom Kessell and Mike Pope pushing hard over the pre-season."

Cornish Pirates have undertaken an overhaul of their squad over the summer, with a string of new signings coming into the club.

The Pirates have targeted younger players, and players with links to Cornwall, as part of a long-term plan to make the club ready for the Premiership in three seasons' time.