It's been nearly 12 months since the Cornish Pirates last played a game at the Mennaye Field, but the wait is nearly over.

On Saturday, Pirates will line up against Jersey Reds in a warm-up friendly fixture in preparation of the upcoming Championship season.

In an interview on Facebook, joint head coach, Gavin Cattle, said: "We expect it to be a bit disjointed, but for us it’s about getting that contact level up.

"It will be a big test in term of new combinations and stuff like that but the result is not something we’re really focussed on, we’re trying a few things and a few combinations.

"We’ve had an in-house game last week which was a good hit out - as a coach you’re always a bit apprehensive, it was only 40 minutes but it was a decent hit out.

"And this week again, we’ve picked a set out 15 but a lot of people are going to get game time."

Both teams have named their starting line up for the game with new signing, Luke Scully, making his debut for the Pirates.

The last time a ball was kicked at the Penzance ground, the home side came out as 21-15 victors over Nottingham on March 1.

When discussing the opposition, Cattle said: "[They’re] renowned to being a decent set piece team but they’ve opened up their game the last few seasons.

"Harvey (Harvey Biljon, Jersey Reds’ Director of Rugby) puts a good squad together, they had a good hit out against Coventry last week, so they’ve got a game under their belt.

"We’ve been more focussed on ourselves, there’s no analysis as such going in this week for us, it's more about getting our bits right and preparing ourselves for the week after."

Due to current Covid restrictions, spectators will be unable to attend the game, however, a £10 pay per view arrangement will be available via 247.tv.

The Cornish Pirates last played at Mennaye Field on March 1 last year. Picture: Brian Tempest

The Cornish Pirates last played at Mennaye Field on March 1 last year. Picture: Brian Tempest

Cornish Pirates starting XV: Maliq Holden; Robin Wedlake, Callum Patterson, Nico De Battista, Alex O'Meara; Luke Scully, JB Bruzulier; Marlen Walker, Dan Frost, Jay Tyack, Fa'atiga Lemalu, Danny Cutmore, Josh Caulfield, John Stevens, Tom Duncan.

Jersey Reds starting XV: Tom Williams; Ryan Hutler, Brendan Owen, Dan Barnes, Lesley Klim; Brendan Cope, James Elliott; Dan Richardson, TJ Harris, Ciaran Parker, Zak Farrance, Sean O’Connor, Max Argyle, Kyle Hatherell, Tim Grey.