Tom Kessell: Cornish Pirates scrum-half signs new deal as Josh Williams re-joins

Tom Kessell first moved to Cornish Pirates 11 years ago

Cornish Pirates scrum-half Tom Kessell has agreed a new one-year contract.

The 32-year-old is in his second spell at the Mennaye having re-joined last summer after playing for Northampton, Coventry and Bristol.

He has played 132 times for the Pirates since first joining the club from Plymouth Albion in 2011.

Kessel's new contract comes at the same time as lock Josh Williams had re-joined the Pirates after recovering from a season-long injury.

"Tom is someone with a lot of games and experience under his belt," Pirates joint-head coach Gavin Cattle told the club website.

"He has many attributes and, with his strengths and benefits, has helped other players.

"He is also a good clubman, and a Cornishman to boot, so we are naturally delighted to once again have him on board."

Williams returns to Pirates

Josh Williams has played 'A' League rugby for Newcastle and also featured for Billingham and Darlington Mowden Park

Former Newcastle Falcons lock Josh Williams, 24, initially joined the Championship side last season, but injury forced him to miss the campaign.

A former England youth international, Williams serves with the Royal Marines and has represented the Royal Navy.

"He is a big and talented forward, who has formerly been involved with Newcastle Falcons and is nowadays in the Navy where we have had good connections," coach Alan Paver said.

"Now fit again, Josh will be raring to go and to make an impression," Paver added to the club website.

"The time he has already spent around the squad will be beneficial and being ambitious rugby-wise, and still young, bodes well for his development and future."

Williams' deal covers the forthcoming season and he is the second lock to join the Pirates in less than a week after Ospreys' James Fender joined on loan.