Cornish Pirates owner Dicky Evans has announced that the club have 23 players signed up for next season, retaining 18 members of the current playing squad.

The Pirates have made five new signings so far: South African full back Kieran Goss from Eastern Province Kings, former Wales U20 centre Rheon James,  former Doncaster and Rotherham loose head prop Shane Cahill, hooker Tom Channon signed from Bristol, and Canadian captain hooker Aaron Carpenter signed from Plymouth.

Evans also formally announced the departure of both Phil Burgess and Paul Andrew, saying: "It is with a heavy heart I have to confirm that our hugely talented back row forward Phil Burgess is joining the English Sevens squad on a full time contract.

"Apart from being a very modest man Phil has been awesome for the Pirates in his time with us.

"Also leaving of course is our excellent young Cornish prop Paul Andrew who is joining Worcester.

"I am sure you will all join me in wishing Paul and Phil all the very best in their future careers which many of us will follow with interest."

Mention was also made of retiring Pirates winger Wes Davies, who Evans described as 'a true servant of the club through thick and thin.'

"He can now enjoy his weekends with the family," Evans said.

EXISTING SQUAD PLAYERS WITH THE PIRATES NEXT YEAR (18): 
Alan Paver, Rob Elloway, Chris Morgan, Laurie McGlone, Jonny Bentley, Gavin Cattle, Alex Cheesman, Kyle Marriott, Tom Kessell, Matt Evans, Kieran Hallett, Gary Johnson, Ben Prescott, Darren Barry, Tom Riley, Junior Fatialofa, Peter Joyce, Tom Duncan.