A PAIR of hard scrummaging friends who have grown up on the rugby pitch together are set to move into the Cornish side.

Tommy Phillips and Brad Howe have both been included in the Duchy’s senior training squad as preparations for the 2015 Bill Beaumont Cup campaign began on Monday evening as the team met up for the first time.

Both started playing in the same team as youth players at Helston before working their way through the age groups for the county.

They are now making an impression at Redruth in the National League Two South, where both have been regular first teamers.

Speaking to the media before their first team meeting of the season at Kingsley Village, the pair said representing their home county has always been a dream.

Howe, who can play as either a second or back row forward, said: “It is really exciting to come into the squad.

“We both played as kids together at Helston and growing up, we’ve always wanted to come and play for Cornwall.”

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Phillips, a prop, pictured above, added: “With all the rugby history in Cornwall, I always thought if I could play for my county at senior level then it would be such an honour.

“It is something I’ve always wanted to do as a kid and playing for Cornwall at Twickenham would probably only be one step below representing England there.”

Despite being around more experienced players at the team meeting, neither Howe or Phillips seemed overawed by the experience on Monday.

Howe, pictured below, who has been on loan at the Rec from the Cornish Pirates, believes being in a professional training atmosphere has really brought his game on.

“The biggest difference has been the physicality,” the 19-year-old former Helston Community College student said.

“By playing and training against the men I have, I feel I’ve really grown up as a player because the intensity level is relentless.

“Now I just want show myself in the right light and hopefully get picked for Cornwall in May and then just go out and play.”

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Reflecting on his own season so far, Phillips admitted he is a touch “surprised” to have made it into the Cornwall senior squad already, but is very proud to be included.

The prop said: “I’m very excited to be asked to join the squad in my first year of senior men’s rugby.

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet if I’m honest, but I’ve been playing at Redruth and with the Under 20s and this is the next step up.

“It is exciting and it will be good to see where it takes me from here.

“I couldn’t wait to tell everyone when I got the phone call to say I was in the squad and I’ve heard a lot of things about Graham Dawe, so I’m looking forward to working with him.”