Cornish Pirates sign Gloucester winger Ward

Matty Ward will join Cornish Pirates in the summer

Cornish Pirates have signed Gloucester winger Matty Ward for the 2025-26 season.

The 23-year-old comes in as Matt McNab leaves the club after two years to join Champ Rugby rivals Doncaster Knights.

Ward scored a try on his only Gloucester appearance this season in the Premiership Rugby Cup.

He has also spent time at Championship side Hartpury and Premiership outfit Newcastle Falcons.

"Matty has had exposure with Gloucester in the Premiership Cup and has also had a good season with Hartpury University in the British Universities and Colleges Sport competition," said Pirates joint-head coach Gavin Cattle.

"He is a player still with a lot of growth in his game, and although injuries have been disruptive at times he has a good season behind him."

McNab to make Doncaster move

Matt McNab has scored 10 tries in his past eight games including four at Chinnor last month

Meanwhile, 26-year-old Zimbabwe international McNab leaves the club having scored 30 tries in 51 appearances since moving to Penzance two years ago.

He had previously spent time at Hartpury and Worcester Warriors and also played in South Africa's Currie Cup for the Zimbabwe Goshawks.

"Since arriving at the Pirates, Matt immediately showed his strength and ability and a real commitment both on and off the pitch," Cattle said.

"He is a big personality who will be missed massively, and we would like to thank him for his quite considerable overall contribution."

McNab added: "It has been the best two years of my rugby career so far, and I have loved every single minute.

"I can't thank everyone at the Pirates enough for what they have done for me along the journey. It's been amazing for my development on the field and in my day-to-day life off it."