Camborne Ground Share

THE Cornish Pirates have a new playing base for the 2006-07 season

The new joint venture was spelled out in a statement released by the Pirates, who admit they are keen to consider their options while issues over future Premiership criteria continue to rumble on.

The statement read: "At this stage a decision to develop a stadium is totally unwise until the future of Premier Rugby and the constraints associated with Premiership status become clear. In the circumstances, it is felt that Camborne is the right place for us to be as we wait to see how things develop."

The announcement also brings to an end to weeks of uncertainty over where the Pirates would be playing next season. In recent weeks, speculation has been rife within Cornish rugby circles over potential venues for the Pirates, who last season finished third in National League One.

The statement added: "The Cornish Pirates and Camborne RFC are pleased to announce their agreement on a joint venture to share the Recreation Ground at Camborne for the 2006-07 season and possibly the following season. The joint venture will be for the mutual benefit of both the Cornish Pirates and Camborne."

Just like last season, when the Pirates played their home games at Kenwyn, on the outskirts of Truro, home games will again be scheduled for Sunday afternoons. Camborne, meanwhile, will play their games on Saturday afternoons, with the two entities responsible for their own match-day organisation.

"The Pirates intend to make match days an event, just as they did at Kenwyn," continued the statement.

"Camborne's Recreation Ground accommodates over 9,000 people with a stand capacity of 780, so with this infrastructure in place the Pirates do not have the considerable cost of importing a tented village/grandstand, as at Kenwyn. However, there will be considerable new hospitality areas at the ground for match days, as well as ample parking."

Aside from match days, Jim McKay's Pirates have confirmed they will continue to use the home facilities at Penzance's Mennaye Field as their training base.