For the next two weekends focus for the Cornish Pirates turns to the British & Irish Cup, with consecutive games against London Irish.

Playing in Pool 3 of the competition, London Irish are presently first-placed and the Pirates second.

The Pirates travel to Madejski Stadium, Reading, on Sunday (ko 3pm), whilst their home game is on Sunday week, the 18th December (ko 2.30pm).

For this weekend’s away game the Pirates have named a side that will give a number of players an opportunity to ‘put their hands up’, including centre Bar Bartlett who will making his first competitive match start for the club. With club captain Chris Morgan named on the bench, Tom Duncan takes over the skipper’s armband. Also, following a busy autumn, Canadian international Matt Evans is given a rest.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s contest, co-coach Gavin Cattle has said: “We are fully aware that we face a huge challenge in the next two weeks, when some of the boys who have had less game time will have the opportunity to play against the best side in our division.

“Playing such quality opposition is a great way to see where we are at, and there will be people pretty much writing us off. For us, however, it’s about how we apply ourselves and what lessons we learn from these games. It’s also why you play the game, wanting to test yourself and to get in the mix of it against the best.”

The Cornish Pirates selection for Sunday is as follows: 15 Toby May, 14 Jack Arnott, 13 Tom Hendrickson, 12 Bar Bartlett, 11 Alex O’Meara, 10 Will Cargill, 9 Mike Pope; 1 Jack Andrew, 2 Tom Channon, 3 Tyler Gendall, 4 Edd Pascoe, 5 Brett Beukeboom, 6 Jake Parker, 7 John Stevens, 8 Tom Duncan (capt). Replacements: 16 Rob Elloway, 17 Marlen Walker, 18 Chris Morgan, 19 Sam Simmonds, 20 Stuart Townsend, 21 Laurence May, 22 Nicolas De Battista.

With reference to the home encounter, in liaison with club sponsor St. Austell Brewery, who will also be the match day sponsor, the fixture is designated as ‘Tribute’ Day.

St. Austell Brewery are to run a competition for some free tickets on their social media, there will be vouchers on the gate offering £1 off a pint in the marquee, plus free beanie hats will be up for grabs on a first come first served basis. The Tribute mascot will also meet up with Captain Benbow, and at what is the club’s last home game before Christmas a great festive atmosphere is guaranteed.

Tickets are available on 01736 331961, open Monday to Friday (9am –noon), or online.

For further information please visit www.cornish-pirates.com/tickets

Pre-match hospitality is as normal, but with added festive flavour! To make your booking, please contact the General Manager, Tom Magill – tel: 01736-335314 or email tom.magill@cornish-pirates.com