Cornish Pirates

Bedes & Burak
July 17th 2008

The Cornish Pirates are now well into their pre-season training ahead of their assault on the the forthcoming National One campaign, with it looking certain that the squad compiled will offer a quite considerable physical presence.

Frenchman Bertrand Bedes and Canadian Mike Burak are just two from a number fresh faces that Cornish rugby supporters will be keen to see in action, both having taken up residence in the area these past couple of weeks, having previously played for French Pro D2 side Pau.

Bertrand Bedes

A player acquired to replace the back-row void left by former skipper Tim Cowley, who just this week has crossed 'La Manche' to join Bourgoin, 27 years old Bertrand is 6' 4" tall and weighs in at over 17 stones.

He is also, surprisingly, probably the first Frenchman lined up to wear the Pirates colours, at least in the professional era.

Bertrand Bedes In Training at The Mennaye
"A"Chabal-like figure" who will be immensely popular with supporters"	"The first Frenchman lined up to wear the Pirates colours"

When his signing was announced, he was described as being "brave, powerful, and friendly", a "Chabal-like figure" who will be immensely popular with supporters.

Bertrand should also settle well in Cornwall, as his educational studies have concentrated on the shellfish industry, and he owns a windsurf shop in Narbonne. His commitment to the area is evidenced by the fact that he has already enrolled to study English.

Mike Burak

As for Mike Burak, who is also aged 27, he'll be one of the biggest locks ever to play for the Pirates, the 24 times capped international a 6' 7" towering trunk of timber who weighs in at 18 and a half stones, and who likes, in his own words, to "hit rucks and mauls and give a good shove in the scrums."

Having played for Canada in last autumn's Rugby World Cup, which was a dream come true, his next goal set is to now help the Cornish Pirates achieve their push for the top.