Robin Wedlake: Cornish Pirates winger impresses on return to squad

Robin Wedlake played 90 times for Cornish Pirates in his first spell at the club

Cornish Pirates coach Alan Paver says winger Robin Wedlake's return to the side has been seamless.

The 29-year-old returned to the club last week, having left to join Championship champions Jersey Reds.

Following the collapse of the Reds in September, Wedlake had been playing for National One side Plymouth Albion before returning after six months away.

"He's a very popular man in the Pirates squad on the field and off the field," Paver told BBC Radio Cornwall.

"He just came back in, a very smooth transition, he's involved this week which is great for him.

"He seems very motivated, and as we know on a day where he can get ball he's very dangerous, so we're just really pleased to have him back."

Wedlake is the latest in a line of former players who have returned to the Mennaye after spells away - full-back Kyle Moyle returned in the summer after playing for Premiership side Gloucester.

"It's a very special place," explained Paver, whose side travel to title favourites Ealing at the weekend.

"When people come here, either they're brought up here or they come down to play, and they tend to stay for a long period of time.

"They develop meaningful friendships and off the back of that I think t hey feel an attachment to the team, each other as individuals, and to the community, so once a Pirate, always a Pirate.

"No matter where we go the ex-Pirate boys will always stick together - all of them have gone through the hardship on the muddy pitches, and helping each other off the pitch, so it's a special thing."