Cornish Pirates

On the 1st September 1959 the Pirates opened their season with a match against Italian side Associazone Sportiva Rugby Milano. Both clubs had been founded in 1945, and for the continental tourists it was their first visit to Cornwall.

49 years later, it has been confirmed that another strong Italian team, Almaviva Capitolina, who play in Italy's top tier 'Super 10' competition, will be the Cornish Pirates opponents for their second pre-season 'friendly' on Saturday 23rd August

The Rome-based Capitolina side gained promotion to the Super 10 in 2006, which was a superb achievement for a team that was founded just 10 years earlier.

They are clearly a developing Italian and European force, and although they will arrive without Argentine prop Santiago Bonorino, who has just joined Leicester Tigers, they still have a healthy number of quality players in their squad who have performed on the international stage.

Cornish Pirates supporters will no doubt have their Italian phrase books ready to extend the warmest of welcomes to their visitors, this a match to be played just eight days before the Cornish Pirates open their 2008-09 National One campaign at home to Newbury on Sunday 31st August.

Coach Mark Hewitt commented:
"The confirmation of two very useful pre-season 'friendlies' is good news for the team and supporters, with our preparations likely to be further enhanced with a training day away to at least one Premiership club."