Cornwall Rugby Football Union's (CRFU) preparation for the 2016 Bill Beaumont County Championship campaign continues following victory in the annual “Tamar Cup” game last Tuesday night, which saw Cornwall beat Devon 45 -10 at St Austell RFC.

Following the game, coaches and selectors met to pick a squad for the first game of this season’s competition. Cornwall selected almost 50 players to be part of the enlarged squad early in January, some players have left the squad due to injury whilst others have come into the squad due to their form at club level.

CRFU President Ken Plummer said: “The months of hard work and preparation are now coming to a head with this our first game of the season in the competition at Redruth on Saturday 7 May. On behalf of the CRFU I would like to thank our sponsors St Austell Brewery, Kelsall Steele & Whirlwind Sports along with our kit suppliers BLK. Those thanks also go to Redruth RFC and its staff with the organisation and match day arrangements”

Cornwall faces 3 games in the opening group stages during May.

Cornwall coach Graham Dawe said: “The 2016 season is upon us and this first match has allowed us to consider players who were not available for the Tamar Cup squad. From our initial squad we have selected our 22; other players will be available and in contention for the next game. No one’s place is guaranteed, and competition for squad places is still very much available to all members of the enlarged squad”

Cornwall next face Hertfordshire at Bishop Stortford RFC on Saturday 14 May. The following week they host newly promotes Surrey at Camborne RFC on Saturday 21 May.

Cornwall Captain Kyle Marriot said; - “Asked to captain Cornwall again this season is a fantastic honour and I am really proud to be given the role. The enlarged squad has been together since February and we have become a tight knit bunch of guys from many different clubs. We hope our fantastic support led by Trelawny’s army will come out in force at Redruth to lift the guys for this important first game”

Entry is £10 for adults, anybody U16 will gain free access providing they are accompanied by an adult. A comprehensive 32 page souvenir programme will be on sale showing player profiles, teams, information about this season’s competition along with words of welcome from various people at a cost of £2. Gates open to the public at 1pm, come and see the teams warm up, enjoy the hospitality of Redruth RFC before, during and after the game.

Marketing and sponsorship opportunities for this season are now limited due to demand. Any individuals or companies that may be interested in future opportunities are asked to contact Colin Hatch in the first instance. Email – hatch0348@btinternet.com