Cornish Pirates pleased to secure 'spine' of team

Cornish Pirates lost at league leaders Ealing in their last game [Brian Tempest]

Cornish Pirates joint-head coach Gavin Cattle says he is pleased he has been able to secure a number of his experienced players for next season.

The Champ side have renewed the deals of 10 players for next season, as well as signing Ealing loanee Tomiwa Agbongbon on a permanent deal.

Pirates are seventh in the Champ with two games to play as they aim for a top six finish and a place in the post-season play-offs.

"The aim of the game is basically to secure the spine of the team," Cattle told BBC Radio Cornwall.

"We're still figuring out what the other positions look like, it's a bit like a jigsaw puzzle to be honest.

"You've got your dual registrations that you're waiting confirmation on, because that affects what positions you go for to be budget efficient, so there's a bit to do.

"But we're really pleased with the spine we've signed and people wanting to stay is always a good sign as well."

Pirates face third-placed Coventry on Saturday in their final home game of the season before travelling to sixth-placed Hartpury in what could be a crucial game in the fight to make the post-season.

Cattle says keeping the likes of Morgan Nelson, Dan Hiscocks, Arwel Robson and Arthur Relton allows the club to bring in less experienced players next season.

"They can pass on knowledge, it's not just a coaching job, it's a group job then to bring the team forward," he added.

"There's some really key characters within that that can help drive the team forward."

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