Cornish Pirates

CORNISH Pirates coach Jim McKay has spoken of his delight at the way four of the county's most promising youngsters are settling into life with the National League One club.

Sam Betty, Owen Hambley, Adam Nicholls and Simon Peters - all members of the South West Rugby Academy - have all been signed up by the Pirates ahead of the new season.

"The four guys have settled in very well," said McKay. "Obviously it is a big step up for all of them, but from what I've seen of them so far I am very impressed.

"Obviously they have various areas of their game to work on, but by mixing themselves with the first team squad, I'm sure their game will come on leaps and bounds."

Indeed, the Australian is hopeful that links the Pirates have built up with other local clubs within the Duchy could allow the quartet to gain some valuable game time.

"We've built up some good links with other league clubs and hopefully that will continue again this season. These guys need to push themselves and try and play to as high a level as possible. The main aim being, of course, to break into the first team squad with us.

"Not only for us, but for the county as well, it's important that the area's most talented players stay and play their rugby in Cornwall ."

Hambley, Nicholls and Peters have all represented British Colleges , as well as England at various age groups.