Two outstanding members of Redruth's respected pack of forwards, Owen Hambly and back-rower Tom Duncan, have signed contracts with the Cornish Pirates.

The duo will train with the Pirates one day per week, which will develop their skill set still further and will be available for loan to Redruth to the end of the season.

Helping develop local rugby talent is looked upon as a real positive and helps further cement good relations with Redruth, who are bidding for promotion from National Two South this season.

Hambly, aged 25, who played for the Pirates back in 2006-07, played  for England at youth level and has also represented England Counties. Besides Redruth, he has also played for Truro and for the Cornish All Blacks.

As for Duncan, he tops the National Two South try-scoring chart with 10 to his name this season.

He first played for Redruth at the age of 14 and made his senior debut in 2009. Still only 22 years of age he has tremendous potential and has blossomed at Redruth to fill the talisman role previously held by Kiwi Mark Bright, who is now at London Scottish.

Following the signing of prop Peter Joyce earlier this season, the pair make it a trio of 'Reds' to have put pen to paper for the Pirates in 2012-13.