For Cornish Pirates upporters, this year's Churchill Cup competition has been given added interest.

The competition got underway on Saturday when England Saxons beat the USA 64-10 in the opening game played at Ottawa's Twin Elm Rugby Park, but it was perhaps the second match played at the same venue which gained special attention.

It was a game which featured Canada against Scotland 'A', with the home country competing well before losing 26-10.

Cornish Pirates scrum-half Ed Fairhurst, who was earning his 42nd cap and had a try disallowed in the match, captained a 'Canucks' side which also included new signing Scott Franklin at tight-head prop.

Honoured to have two players 'on show', it has since been confirmed that a third 'Pirate', Brian Tuohy, has also been selected on the wing for Ireland 'A' for their opening game to be played on Wednesday at the Richardson Stadium, Kingston, Ontario.

The Irish side, which has a good blend of youth and experience, is captained by Bob Casey from London Irish. In total, six members of the starting XV have been capped at full international level.