The Cornish Pirates are delighted to confirm
another four new signings to boost their squad for what looks likely to be a most
interesting 2006-07 National 1 campaign.
Alberto Di Bernardo
– fly-half
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Age: 25
Height: 5’10” Weight: 13st. 7lbs.
From the L’Aquila club, who have
played in the European Challenge Cup and also in the ‘Super 10’, the main national
rugby union competition in Italy, Alberto has played for Italy ‘A’. L’Aquila is
an area that a number of Pirates will be familiar with, it being a place in Italy
where a number of Junior sides have toured over the years.
Stan
McKeen – No. 8
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Age: 24 Height:
6’4” Weight: 16st. 5lbs.
Having made his debut against the USA in
2004, this impressive back-rower has been capped 13 times for Canada. A former
college student whose hometown is Vancouver, his club rugby has been with Pacific
Pride.
Steve Winn – centre
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Age: 28 Height: 6’ Weight: 14st. 7lbs.
Steve is a quality midfield
performer, a good passer who is deceptively quick, as witnessed when he played
for Gwent Dragons at the Mennaye Field two years ago. Capped by Wales ‘A’, he
has played 29 games for the Dragons.
Chris Cracknell –
flanker
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Age: 21 Height: 6’3”
Weight: 16st. 6lbs.
Joining us from Newbury, along with centre Duncan
Bell, this former NEC Harlequins and England U21s player is really looking forward
to coming to Cornwall. Topping Newbury’s try-scoring list with 10 in the league
this past season, this young player is also a useful Sevens performer, having
previously played for the Crusaders alongside Rhodri McAtee.
Besides
the above new signings, we can advise that Tongan hooker Viliami Ma’asi, who joined
the Pirates back in 2001, has also signed a new one year contract, thus ending
speculation that the popular figure was about to move elsewhere.
