Cornish Pirates will welcome unbeaten London Irish back to the Mennaye Field on Sunday (ko 2.30pm) in the British & Irish Cup.

Playing in Pool 3 of the competition, London Irish are currently top of the table, with the Pirates second.

Having lost two close games against ‘Irish’ – at home in the league and away in the cup last weekend - the Pirates will be keen to learn from those encounters and strive to take the spoils this weekend.

There are once again a number of changes in their side, including the selection of Max Bodilly at outside centre. Dual-registered with Exeter Chiefs, it will be the first time he has worn the Pirates colours this season, having previously made 42 appearances for the club.

Prop Luke Chapman, who will be keen to make a first senior competitive match for the Pirates, is named on the bench, as is coach Alan Paver.

The inclusion of the club's longest serving player follows hooker Rob Elloway failing a late fitness test and the unavailability this weekend of Jack Innard. Should he make an appearance, it will mark his 353rd game for the club.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s keenly awaited contest, coach Gavin Cattle said: “As they have shown, London Irish are a quality outfit. However, despite it being another big ask against a very strong group of players, we welcome the opportunity to test ourselves once again.

“Supported by a bumper Christmas crowd, who will likely raise the volume a bit, we’ll strive to put in a good performance and hopefully replicate the best witnessed in our two previous encounters.”

The Cornish Pirates full selection is as follows: Cornish Pirates: 15 Matt Evans, 14 Jack Arnott, 13 Max Bodilly, 12 Bar Bartlett, 11 Alex O’Meara, 10 Will Cargill, 9 Mike Pope; 1 Marlen Walker, 2 Tom Channon, 3 Tyler Gendall, 4 Edd Pascoe, 5 Chris Morgan ©, 6 Alex Cheesman, 7 John Stevens, 8 Dan Lee. Replacements: 16 Alan Paver, 17 Luke Chapman, 18 Brett Beukeboom, 19 Tom Duncan, 20 Stuart Townsend, 21 Laurence May, 22 Nicolas De Battista.

Referee: Fergus Kirby (RFU)

4th Official: Kevin Williams

Assistants: Simon Adams & Dan Parrott

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 will be available at the gates on the day, plus on-line. For further information please visit www.cornish-pirates.com/tickets