Following recent news that two new forwards, Peter Joyce and Jack Yeandle, had been signed by the Cornish Pirates, another fresh face, but this time a back, has put pen to paper to join the squad at the beginning of October.

Ben Mercer, aged 25, a try-scoring centre/wing who will be arriving from Australia, is well-known in the west country having previously played for Bath, Plymouth Albion and Bristol.

He also had a spell linked with Newcastle Falcons during his time at Newcastle University, and then had a season with Blaydon before returning to the west country and signing for Graham Dawe's Albion side in 2009.

Speaking with reference to their latest acquisition, Cornish Pirates CEO Rod Coward said: “Ben Mercer is a player who impressed when playing against the Pirates. He will add strength and depth to our squad and I’m delighted that he’s agreed to return to the UK to join us.”