New Signing Nick Keen To Play A Role In Pirates Push For The Premiership

The Cornish Pirates first new signing for the 2008-09 season is an ambitious young scrum-half who has played for Welsh regional side Ospreys.

22yr old Nicky Griffiths played rugby at Brynteg School where Robert Howley and Gavin Henson were former pupils, before joining Bridgend at the age of 18. He was then a member of the Ospreys Development team and made his debut for the senior side against Harlequins in 2006.

Due to limited opportunities at the Ospreys with the presence of Justin Marshall and Jason Spice, he was taken to Worcester via former Welsh boss Mike Ruddock.

However a year with National One rivals Pertemps Bees was accepted, it being deemed impossible to contract him at Sixways where the previous coach had already signed three number '9s'.

Griffiths has played for Wales at U19s and U21s levels in both the Six Nations and World Cups, and is certainly a player of immense promise.

Commenting on his chance to join the Cornish Pirates, the player said: "I see the Cornish Pirates as such an ambitious club, and one which is competitive and eager to play in the Premiership. The coaching staff and fan base with the drive of where they want to be, made my decision easy, next season is one I am very much looking forward to."