Chris Morgan: Cornish Pirates captain prepares to play 200th match

Cornish Pirates coach Alan Paver has hailed the influence of captain Chris Morgan ahead of his 200th appearance.

The former England youth international, 35, made his Pirates debut in October 2005, having previously played for Bristol in the Premiership.

"He's a guy you take to war with you, everyone respects him.

"He's high-energy, he's a motivator, he's an energy-giver and he gives more than anyone in our side," Paver told BBC Radio Cornwall.

Morgan, who was part of the Pirates side which won the British and Irish Cup in 2010 and reached two Championship play-off finals, is set to reach his milestone against London Irish on Saturday.

He missed most of last season with a shoulder injury, but the back-row has been a key figure once again this season.

"He's doing the job on the pitch and he's also moved himself into the office and he's doing a lot of the lineout work," added Paver, who is responsible for the Pirates' forwards.

"I've got to commend him there, he's got a really great brain for detail and he's going to be a fantastic coach in the future.

"The one thing is he's very clear that the old dog has got a lot more rugby left in him."