Squad News
March 26th 2008

3 Sign But Skipper Tim Moves On

The names of the latest players to sign for the Cornish Pirates form an impressive looking trio that will clearly strengthen the squad still further next season.

Former Bristol flanker Chris Morgan, who will arrive in Cornwall from Newbury Blues, is well-known to rugby supporters in the Duchy, the 26 year old having been seen as a stand-out performer when he played for the Pirates on loan from Bristol just two seasons ago.

Also signed is another former Bristol man in the shape of centre Tom Luke, who joins from Doncaster Knights, and an exciting prospect in Fijian international winger Marika Vakacegu who has played most of this season for Pertemps Bees.

Sadly leaving the Pirates, however, will be present captain Tim Cowley, it having been confirmed that the respected rugby warrior will be joining French Premiership outfit Bourgoin.

Tim has been a mighty performer throughout his four years with the Pirates and someone who demanded respect from whoever he has played with, either for or against. He was the club's 'Player of the Year' for 2007, and was selected in last season's Rugby Times National One Dream XV.

Commenting on the latest three signings and the forthcoming departure of Tim Cowley, CEO Rod Coward said: "Firstly, regarding Tim Cowley, it must be said that he has been a great player for the club, whose performances have been outstanding, particularly so this season. We wish him well with his new club. In relation to our three new signings, all three are excellent players who will bring strength and skill to our squad next season. Our expectations of all three are high and I'm confident we will not be disappointed."

Tom Luke

Tom played his youth rugby for Eastleigh in Hampshire from the age of eight, before then joining the Bath Academy, He went to Bath University to study Coach Education and Sports Performance, and after his first year there signed for Bristol, making his 1st. Team debut away to Munster, which was quite some experience.

When Bristol found themselves relegated, Tom played two years in Italy, which he loved, embracing the lifestyle and learning the language.

On his return to England he played for Bedford, helping them to finish 2005/06 runners-up to Harlequins in National One, whom they also lost to in the final of the Powergen Shield. A season in Ireland followed, before last year Tom was given the chance to sign for Doncaster Knights, where he has been a regular throughout.

Speaking on his forthcoming move to the Cornish Pirates, Tom said:
"I've signed for the Cornish Pirates primarily because of their competitive history, plus their ambition and quality." He had received offers from elsewhere, but his decision was an easy one, besides him also having the pull of a brother and two nephews who live in Plymouth.

Marika Vakacegu

Marika was a policeman back in Fiji who has this season played for Pertemps Bees. He is a wing or full-back who possesses good all-round skills and has great vision. A beautiful striker of the ball he can also step deftly off both feet.

Having been selected at fly-half for the Fiji U21s side that participated in the 2002 Rugby World Cup competition in South Africa, he has developed steadily into a very accomplished player.

In 2004 he made his senior Test match debut for Fiji against Samoa, and a year later he was a member of the Fiji Sevens team that won silver at the Los Angeles Sevens.

Keen to perfect all aspects of his game, Marika is equally determined to fulfill his life-long ambition to play rugby at the highest level - with the Cornish Pirates.