Cornish Pirates

The Cornish Pirates have bolstered their squad for next season yet further with the addition of Samoan international Gasolo Salima and Australian-born prop Grant Anderson.

Winger Salima, 22, has signed from Yazaki Rugby Club in Samoa, while Anderson – who does not qualify as an overseas player because of a Scottish father, heads west from Guinness Premiership side Newcastle Falcons.

Salima has represented Samoa at full, A and Under-21 level and was part of their touring squad that came to the United Kingdom in 2005. His arrival means the Pirates now have two full Samoan internationals in their side, the other being flanker Iva Motusaga, while back-row forward Tim Cowley has played for the country’s Sevens side.

Anderson’s arrival is also a boost to coach Jim McKay’s front-row options, particularly as the club lost Nick Adams at the end of last season to top flight outfit London Wasps.

The 30-year-old is a former Australian Under-21 international and has also represented Australia Universities, Australian Barbarians and has benched for Super 14 side, the Queensland Reds.

He began his career Down Udner with the Gold Coast Breakers, before signing on with the Edinburgh Gunners in 2004. In Scotland, Anderson made his Heineken Cup debut against top French side Perpignan, before later signing for the Falcons where he made a handful of appearances last season.

The duo’s arrival takes McKay’s summer additions to 11, as well as the seven new Academy signings.