The Cornish Pirates can confirm that at the end of this season hooker Dave Ward is to follow a path taken by centre Matt Hopper last year, to join Harlequins.

Aged 26, Dave has made over 100 appearances for the Cornish Pirates since joining the club in 2009, having previously had spells with Sale Sharks, Northampton Saints and Bath.

Speaking with reference to Dave's move, Cornish Pirates CEO, Rod Coward, said: "Dave Ward has proved himself to be a consistently, outstanding player during his time with the Pirates and he will be greatly missed not just for his on-field performances, but also for the contribution he has made off-field. We wish him every success at the Harlequins."

Harlequins Director of Rugby, Conor O’Shea, commented: “With the recent retirement of Matt Cairns and the long term injury to Chris Brooker, we needed a talented player to complement our existing front-row. Dave fits the profile of the type of player we want at this club and his style of play also fits ours."