Cornish Pirates

Bristol

Club Chairman Chris Booy has today announced that back row Iain Grieve will lead the side for the coming Championship campaign.

Grieve was expected to be snapped up by Newcastle Falcons but the Premiership side changed tack and recruited Grieve`s club mate Redford Pennycook instead.

In a statement on the Bristol website Booy said:

“I am delighted to announce that Iain Grieve will captain the side next season. Despite the offers he has had from other clubs, Iain like many others has decided that his future is here and they want to be part of what we all want to build at Bristol.

Alongside Iain's commitment, we have agreed terms with Roy Winters, Darren Crompton, Mark Irish, Wayne Thompson, Jack Adams, Robbie Shaw, Dan Norton, James Merriman, Chris Ashwin, Jamie Miller and Sam Alford. Others will be announced shortly and as soon as we have had confirmation, details will be posted directly onto the website.”

Full story www.bristolrugby.co.uk

London Welsh

The Exiles have confirmed that last season`s club captain Nathan Bonner-Evans is leaving the club with immediate effect to return to Wales.

Bonner-Evans has had his request to be released a year early from his contract granted by the club and he will now pursue other opportunities outside of the game.

Story www.london-welsh.co.uk

Moseley

The Midlanders have released details of two forthcoming pre-season friendlies.

They will play National One side Cambridge at the Wests Renault Park on Saturday August 14^th (3pm) before meeting Welsh Premiership side Aberavon at Billesley Common on the 21^st (3pm).

Worcester Warriors

The pre-season line-up for Richard Hill`s Warriors side includes clashes with two Magners League teams from across the River Severn.

The Warriors open up at home to Stourbridge on August 14^th (3pm) before playing Newport Gwent Dragons at home three days later (7.30pm).

Their final fixture is in Wales against The Scarlets on August 21^st (3pm).

Meanwhile ambitious Stourbridge have pulled off a major coup thanks to their link-up with the Warriors by signing Thinus Delport as a Player/Backs Coach.

Hot on the heels of fomer Warrior Tony Windo who has taken the mantle of head coach at the club, former Springbok Delport joins on a one-year contract after a distinguished playing career at Sixways and Kingsholm.

Full story www.birminghampost.net

Nottingham

Director of rugby Glenn Delaney is already keen to get on with the new season following the confirmation of Nottingham`s Championship and British & Irish Cup fixtures.

The Nottingham Evening Post reports: “In the British and Irish Cup, Nottingham will play Melrose at Meadow Lane on December 11, they are away to an unconfirmed Welsh team on the 18th, entertain Munster on January 14, and then travel to Bristol on the 22nd and Esher on February 26.

Four fixtures have been planned for Friday nights.

The first is against the Tigers in a friendly on August 13, Esher on September 24, Birmingham & Solihull Bees on November 12 and Munster in the British & Irish Cup on January 14.”

Delaney told the paper: “One thing we've not managed to do in the last four seasons, is win the opening game, home or away.

"That is a priority this time and we will focus on that. We performed poorly against London Welsh last time out at home and that's something we want to make sure we put right and get a good start to the season."

He continued: "Looking at the fixture card, the Munster game is one I can't wait for. The reality is that they are a massive club.

"If you think this season, we are going to entertain the Guinness Premiership champions Leicester Tigers and then Muster are coming to town.

"Munster at Meadow Lane on a Friday night in January is going to be a fantastic occasion.”

Full story www.thisisnottingham.co.uk

Nottingham have also awarded club doctor Ibraze Khalique honorary life membership as he steps down after five years in the post.

Dr Khalique will be replaced by Ben Henry for the new season and Glenn Delaney told the club website:

“Ibraze has provided a major step change in the way we deliver our support services to the playing department.

"He has been more than just a team doctor but a leader in setting the professional standards that we have today.

"His knowledge and expertise has been invaluable to the club and in particular the rugby department.

"He has implemented systems and processes that provide the required level of medical governance that any club aspiring to be in the premiership must comply to.

"I will personally miss his wisdom and guidance but knowing that he is an honorary life member means that he is still a big part of our club."