I’ve lived and breathed Cornish Pirates Rugby Club since they were Penzance and Newlyn Rugby Club and I played as a boy. Every win is a joy. Every loss is a lesson.

THIS WIN was the best of all. Winning never gets old, and it keeps me young.

On Saturday 25th May 2024 Cornish Pirates beat London Scottish in a hard fought match on their home turf, to finish second in the Rugby Championship for the 2023-24 season, our HIGHEST POSITION EVER !!!!!!

We are second in the Championship, and twelfth in England after the ten Premiership Clubs and Ealing Trailfinders.

I speak to the Pirates coaches every week, we talk game plan, selection, tactics, lessons from the last match and what to consider for the next.

Distance is no object. Zoom, Teams, Whatsapp groups, sometimes we are in touch on a daily basis. I couldn’t be at the match physically but I followed from Kenya and afterwards I got sent these personal messages. I’m sharing these here with you, for a reason.

There are life lessons here about living to 100 years old. Stay active and engaged. Be of value.

Illness, disability and distance are no impediment. Making people’s lives better makes your own life better.

There are a raft of wonderful players and management moving on next season, Pirates has been their training ground and showground. They move to new and better positions, within and beyond rugby. I have had so many messages from these guys and girls saying that wherever they go throughout their lives, they will always be a Pirate.

There is even a hashtag on social media #AlwaysaPirate

Finally, there is extraordinary talent, seasoned and youthful, staying with Pirates to form the backbone of the 2024-25 season. I can’t wait !!!!!