Pirates hope to 'regenerate' squad after cup exit

Cornish Pirates finished bottom in Pool E of the Premiership Rugby Cup with one win and five defeats

Cornish Pirates joint-head coach Gavin Cattle wants to "regenerate" his injury-hit squad over this month-long break following the conclusion of their Premiership Rugby Cup campaign.

It comes after his side secured a 43-7 victory over fellow Championship side Hartpury in the competition with tries from Iwan Price-Thomas, Cameron Jones, Will Trewin, Charlie McCaig and two from hooker Sol Moody.

Pirates finished bottom of Pool E but Cattle blamed the exit on "restrictions in training" due to the Penzance-based club's 17-strong injury list and is prioritising his squad's health and fitness before they return to Championship action on 21 March against London Scottish.

"We've got a massive injury list but we've got a bit of a stint now and hopefully we can regenerate some of those boys," said the former scrum-half who shares coaching responsibilities with Alan Paver.

"There were 23 boys available this week. When you're in that position you're limited to what you can do in training because we can't pick up another knock so you just have to do what you can do that's controllable.

"We did have a plan in place but we've been tearing up our plan every week with the numbers we've had."

Pirates' injury dilemma did mean fans were able to see academy graduates Barnaby Elderkin and Milo Hallam make their debuts at the Mennaye Field as well as new signings hooker Sam Cantwell and Exeter Chiefs loanee Louie Sinclair.

"The energy was there from the get go and it was great to see the likes of Barnaby Elderkin and Milo Hallam getting their debut," added Cattle.

"We've bought a few boys in this week in Louie Sinclair and Sam Cantwell so it's a lot of chopping and changing but we looked good.

"We lost a bit of continuity in that last 15 understandably but pleased with the result."