SCRUM-HALF Rob Coote is the latest name to be brought into the Cornish Pirates squad under their Player Development Foundation.

The Greene King IPA Championship club announced today the 22-year-old had agreed a deal which will see him return to the Mennaye having previously played there briefly in 2012/13 as cover for Gavin Cattle.

Along with his previous spell with the Pirates, Coote has also featured for Aviva Premiership side Exeter Chiefs, Cornish All Blacks and Exeter University.

Last year, the Falmouth native who played youth rugby for his hometown club before joining Penryn was part of the Great Britain Universities 7s side who won the world championship title in Brazil.

Pirates director of rugby Ian Davies believes Coote has bags of talent which will develop at the Mennaye.

Davies said: "Rob is a returnee to the Pirates and although a little older than the usual PDF players he is a Cornish lad and we want to get as many Cornish players playing top level rugby as we can.

"A talented player who can play at scrum-half or in the outside backs he is another attack-minded performer who adds to our playing options for the coming season.

"I am sure working with Gavin will see his scrum-half skills kick on and he will flourish in his second spell with us."