CORNISH Pirates face Jersey at the Mennaye on Sunday (ko 2pm), before travelling to the island five days later for the quarter-final of the British & Irish Cup on Friday (7.45pm).

Concentrating on this coming Sunday’s St Piran’s Day fixture, there will be no shortage of black and white flags flying about, plus the Cadgwith Singers are primed to take to the field at half time to sing a number Cornwall’s favourite songs.

As for the Pirates selection for the match, skipper Tom Duncan and fellow Cornishman Max Bodilly will proudly make their 50th appearances for the club.

Max comes into the starting XV to partner Tom Hendrickson in the centre, whilst in the forwards Jack Innard is named at hooker, Josh Caulfield returns from England under 20s duty to slot in the second-row, and a fit again Alex Cheesman returns at flanker.

The Pirates narrowly lost 27-24 away to the Reds in November, and yet another tight contest is expected. Both teams have also taken the scalp of Yorkshire Carnegie in the past two weeks – the Pirates winning 42-27 away and Jersey Reds emerging 24-19 victors at home.

Ahead of Sunday’s game, Cornish Pirates coach Gavin Cattle has said: “Both teams have had their injury problems this season but have done very well. Our resources have certainly been a bit thin, however the team’s performances have displayed immense character, with there an obvious willingness to work for each other, which has been pleasing.

“As for this weekend, it’ll be a case of strapping up and cracking on again for what is yet another exciting challenge, involving two competitive sides making a spirited push for the top four.”

The Cornish Pirates full selection for Sunday is as follows: Cornish Pirates: 15 Toby May, 14 Alex O’Meara, 13 Max Bodilly, 12 Tom Hendrickson, 11 Kyle Moyle, 10 Laurence May, 9 Alex Day; 1 Marlen Walker, 2 Jack Innard, 3 Paul Andrew, 4 Jake Parker, 5 Josh Caulfield, 6 Alex Cheesman, 7 John Stevens, 8 Tom Duncan (c). Replacements: 16 Jack Andrew, 17 Luke Chapman, 18 Dan Lee, 19 Bar Bartlett, 20 Mike Pope, 21 Will Cargill, 22 Nicolas De Battista.

Referee: Simon Harding (RFU)

Match Day Sponsor: The Yacht Inn Match Ball Sponsor: FWB

Match Day Collection: In support of the ‘Hope for Tomorrow’ charity.