Iva Motusaga

Iva, nicknamed 'The Jet', and whose full christian name is actually Faleiva, was our sixth signing announced early in the summer of 2004.

Described as an all-action flanker with a high work rate and a rock-solid defence, his skills as an open-side flanker were developed with the Wellington Hurricanes development squad, and we have witnessed them all.

He joined us from the Poneke club, where he helped clinch the Jubilee Shield in 2003, and in the same year he also played for the Wellington Lions in the NPC in New Zealand, scoring a try in a thrilling 38-all draw with Canterbury.

After appearing in pre-season friendlies for us against Launceston and Cross Keys, Iva made his National One debut for us in the league opener against Bristol Shoguns on Sunday 5th September, 2004, the Pirates losing 20-28 at the Mennaye Field, but this modest 'perpetual motion' performer crossing for one of our three tries scored in the match.

By season's end Iva's outstanding contribution on the field was rewarded when, at the Awards Night, he was not only presented with 'The President's Cup' but also with the 'Player of the Year' trophy. A further honour, however, soon awaited him, and in June, 2005, he played for Manua Samoa against Australia at the Telstra Stadium, Sydney, with his most respected opponent and sporting hero George Smith, opposite him in the 'Wallabies' back-row.

Iva is a fun-loving man, great with children, who will happily join in and play rugby with youngsters on the field long after the main game is finished.

He is married to his Australian wife Larni, an accomplished photographer, the couple having two children. Their son, Denzel, arrived on our shores with mum and dad, but during their time here young Sienna has appeared - whom we might just claim to be Cornish!

When Iva eventually hangs up his boots it would appear a logical career choice would be in graphic design (he designed for us the Cornish Pirates logo), but that's a while off yet, 'The Jet' still having plenty of power in the engine to keep going for a few seasons yet.