The Cornish Pirates have confirmed that ticket prices for Saturday's pre-season friendly against Loughborough Students (ko 3pm) are just £10 for adults, whilst children under 16 will be admitted free - also includes stand seating, covered or otherwise, on a first come first served basis.

The two home friendlies - the second is against 'Black & Ambers' of Newport RFC on Saturday 25th August (ko 5pm) - offer exciting and early opportunities to see the new squad in action ahead of a Championship campaign that gets underway in Jersey on the 1st September and is followed eight days later by a 'derby' match at home to Plymouth Albion (ko 3pm).

Season ticket holders should note that their season ticket covers their entry to the pre-season friendlies this year but for these games their ticket, as intimated above, does not guarantee them their chosen seat. The advice is to arrive early - note the gates and beer tent will be open two hours before kick-off.

Tickets can be purchased from the club's ticket office, telephone 01736-331961, open Monday to Friday from 9am to 12 noon. For all other information visit www.cornish-pirates.com

Promoted at the end of last season as champions of  National 2 North, the strong Loughborough Students side will arrive at the Mennaye Field on Saturday clearly fully focused to give a good account of themselves. They also have games against Nottingham and Jersey before playing Blackheath in their National 1 opener.

Of interest Cornish Pirates squad members Phil Burgess, Grant Pointer and Kieran Hallett have attended Loughborough University in the past.