Callum Patterson: Cornish Pirates centre to retire from rugby union

Callum Patterson was named in the Rugby Paper's Championship 'Dream XV' for 2019-20

Cornish Pirates centre Callum Patterson is to retire from rugby aged 29.

He moved to the Championship club in 2018 but has played just three times in the past two seasons after suffering serious knee and ankle injuries.

The Irishman played 46 times in his first two seasons and was voted player of the year in 2019-20.

"Callum has been a massive contributor and made a real impact in his time with the Pirates both on and off the field," said joint-head coach Gavin Cattle.

"He impressed when we first saw him playing against us for Ulster A in the British and Irish Cup and he also shone in a Pirates shirt as one of the standout performers in the Championship.

"It was cruel that he picked up two serious injuries although he still, with his presence, had an influence around the team.

"Callum also fully immersed himself in Cornish life, and quite naturally bought into the Pirates ethos and has been popular with supporters."

Williams agrees new deal as two new players join

Bear Williams will hope to increase his first-team appearances next season

Meanwhile, forward Bear Williams has signed a new one-year contract, with the club also signing former Wales youth international back-row Olly White and Redruth full-back Will Trewin for the 2022-23 campaign.

Williams, 21, played twice in an injury-hit first season at the Mennaye, having started at Harlequins' academy, and also played for Rosslyn Park.

White, 22, joins from Exeter University having helped the club win the British Universities title.

Cornish-born Trewin, 23, was part of the Redruth side that finished second in National Two South this season.