PLAYER PROFILE / Mark Ireland - Centre/Wing 2009/10
	D.O.B 22/11/82 Nationality Reading Birthplace English Height 6' 2" (1.88m) Weight 15st 9lbs (101kg) Position Centre/Wing Previous clubs Newbury, Wasps Harlequins, London Irish Honours England U16, U18 Starts Rep Tries Cons Pens Drops Pts Season 2008/2009 13 7 2 0 0 0 10 Season 2007/2008 8 0 0 0 0 0 0

It was announced back in mid-December, 2007, that Mark would be joining the Cornish Pirates on loan from Premiership outfit London Irish, where he had made six appearances for the Exiles team since having arrived at the Madejski Stadium in July.

A strong-running centre or wing, he was well-known to the club, having impressed against us when he played for Newbury in National One.

Born in Reading, as a youngster Mark was a very able athlete. He excelled at the 400 metres, him one the best of his year group in the country when aged 15. Also a very useful footballer, he was for five years a member of Swindon Town FC's Academy.

It was at rugby, however, that Mark truly impressed, learning the game at Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, a highly respected educational establishment that has produced many fine players, including such as Matt Dawson and Tom Rees. He played for England Schools at 16 and 18 Group levels, in the sames sides incidentally as Adryan Winnan and Peter Cook.

On leaving school Mark went to Brunel University where he studied Communications and Media Studies. He also played for Harlequins, before joining Newbury, as did likewise former 'Pirate' Chris Cracknell.

Hampered by injury, Mark played just eight times for the Pirates in his first part season in Cornwall, having made his debut in a 43-12 points 'derby' match win against the Cornish All Blacks. It was probably a frustrating time for someone who likes to get the ball in hand and have a go at the opposition, which is something we certainly saw more of in 2008-09, when he featured in 27 games and scored two league tries.