Heino Senekal

When Heino arrived in Penzance back in 2004, he must have had certain reservations. It was in the week when gale force winds, lashing rain and high tides pounded the town of Penzance - conditions so severe that the temporary stand at the Mennaye Field was all but blown into the adjacent boating pool!

Joining us on loan from Cardiff, Heino made his debut against the English Blues, Bedford, on the 31st October, 2004 - as a flanker. Promoted from the bench in place of the injured Tim Cowley, he showed up well and certainly played his part as the Pirates displayed all the tricks and treats required to achieve victory on Hallowe'en.

Described by Jim McKay as a 'big hulk of timber', Heino was expected to be a quality player who would add some real beef to the Pirates pack. He'd played at Currie Cup level, and had also represented his country in the Rugby World Cup (1999 and 2003 - as he did also in 2007).

Forget expectations, how's he done for us? The answer is clear.

Heino has been a tower of strength in our pack, helping form formidable second-row pairings alongside firstly Will James, and then Joe Beardshaw/Bruce Cumming/Scott Hobson. His work in the tight and at the set piece is mightily impressive, but he is much more than a 'dog' of a forward. Give him the ball on the hoof and yardage is guaranteed, not forgetting his knack of also being able to score an occasional important try.

During the 2007-08 season he was especially impressive, returning from the Rugby World Cup in France and playing possibly his best rugby for the club. We certainly missed him when he was injured for our last few games, and he was a most deserving winner of both the 'Travelling Supporters Player of the Year' and the 'Press Gang Player of the Year' (for The Edwin Bryant Trophy) awards.

Yes, he might have arrived on loan, but he's never looked back - us all knowing that he'd not be put off by a little wind and rain!