Pirates Sign Four New Aces - 04/04/07

With a number of the current Cornish Pirates already on deck for next season, coach Jim McKay last night announced the first crop of new ship-mates for the 2007/08 campaign.

Heading to the far west at the end of this current campaign will be Rotherham pair Brian Tuohy and Gareth Steenson, together with Gloucester's Rob Elloway and Moseley's Nick Buckley.

The signings are a clear intent from the Cornish club that they again mean business next term - and that their dream of playing in English rugby's top flight remains high on the agenda.

Other additions are sure to follow in the near future, but for now McKay was delighted to have the new quartet safely on board for what he hopes will be another big season for the Pirates.

McKay said: "We're delighted to have all four guys on board for next season. They are all proven rugby players with a good pedigree.

"Each of them are hungry to do well in their careers and they see coming to the Cornish Pirates as the ideal place to further their careers.

"Gareth is really looking forward to working with us and has played a key role for Rotherham this season. Bryan has also been influential in what Rotherham have done this season and the pair are both looking forward to playing the style we play.

"As for Rob, Mark Hewitt has worked with him at Gloucester before, he knows all about him but he probably hasn't had the opportunity to show what he can do.

"Nick Buckley is another who comes with a very good pedigree. He's played NPC rugby in New Zealand and he's going to add something our game."

Certainly the arrival of Irishman Steenson and Tuohy will be warmly welcomed by the Pirates faithful. The two players have helped spearhead the Titans' push for honours this season with fly-half Steenson netting over 200 points already, while winger Tuohy is the Yorkshire club's top try-scorer with 15 touchdowns to date.

Ulsterman Steenson, who celebrates his 23rd birthday today, previously skippered Ireland Under-21 in the 2005 World Championships, while 24-year-old Tuohy has previously played for Shannon, Munster and the Ireland Sevens sides. Predominantly a winger, Limerick-born Tuohy is also able to fill in at centre if necessary.

Joining them in the Pirates ranks will be hooker Elloway, 23, who started his career with Sedgley Park juniors before being snapped up by Gloucester. It was at Kingsholm that Elloway - who has spent some time on loan at Pertemps Bees this season - linked up with Pirates assistant coach Mark Hewitt, who described the player as "an exceptional young player, who will be an exciting addition to our squad."

Completing the list of new arrivals is hard-hitting Kiwi centre Buckley, who has played in the past for Auckland's NPC side, as well as coming off the bench to play for Manawatu against the British Lions in 2005.

A former club-mate of current Pirates forward Tim Cowley, the 27-year-old who worked under the legendary All Blacks No.8 Wayne Shelford at Auckland will add some real firepower to the Pirates.

Nick Buckley profile:-

Gareth Steenson profile:

Brian Tuohy profile:

Rob Elloway profile: