New arrivals at the Cornish Pirates are raring to go and can't wait for their first taste of rugby action together on Saturday.

Some exciting rugby is in prospect with the visit of Loughborough Students to the Mennaye Field (ko 3pm), noting that the university has an international reputation for excellence, including unrivalled sporting achievement. On the rugby front alone numerous internationals have been produced, with names such as Fran Cotton, Clive Woodward, Gerald Davies and John Dawes rolling off the tongue. Cornishmen Roger Hosen and Derek Prout, who both wore the red rose of England, also represented the university, as have present day Pirates Phil Burgess, Grant Pointer and Kieran Hallett. Alan Buzza, formerly of Redruth, Wasps, Cornwall and England 'A', provides another Cornish connection and is a Strategic Manager in Performance Sport at Loughborough.

Supporters will also be delighted to note that there are 'friendly' prices for this pre-season opener. Admission is 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.

Season ticket holders should note that their season ticket covers their entry to the pre-season home friendlies this year - the second is against Newport RFC on Saturday 25th August (ko 5pm) - 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 and to book tickets on-line please visit www.cornish-pirates.com

Besides members of the Cornish Pirates squad who are fit to play, it is also expected that a small number of other players who have recently been training with the team will likely make an appearance on Saturday. The starting XV and list of replacements is as follows:-

Cornish Pirates:  Grant Pointer, Sean Morris, Tom Riley, Junior Fatialofa, Matt Evans, Aaron Penberthy, Tom Kessell, Ben Maidment, Phil Burgess, Kyle Marriott (capt), Gary Johnson, Darren Barry, Ben Prescott, Rob Elloway, Ryan Storer.

Replacements:    Paul Andrew, Darren Semmens, Alan Paver, David Lyons, Charlie Davey, Oli Farley, Gavin Cattle, Kieran Hallett, Alex Cheesman, Tom Bedford, Chris Ashwin.