Cornwall's Premier Rugby Team
Archives 2005/10
| PLAYER PROFILE / Shaun Pammenter - Lock 2009/10 | |||||||||||||||||
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Considering the Cornish Pirates injury woes early in the 2009/10 season, it was no surprise that they reacted to bolster their depleted squad.
A couple of players, scrum-half Ben Jones and lock Alex Shaw, were acquired on short term loan deals, but further headline news in October confirmed 'Sailor Shaun Joins the Pirates ship'.
Sailor Shaun was Durban-born lock Shaun Pammenter, with whom a contract had been agreed to the end of the season. He arrived into Cornwall from Birmingham & Solihull, where his outstanding work-rate had provided an extra edge to the 'Bees' pack, helping them become Champions of National Two at the end of the previous season.
Shaun grew up doing as many sports as he could, but his two passions were rugby and sailing. He played club rugby for his local club Durban Crusaders, but left to play Provincial U21 rugby for Border. Deciding to return to Natal, he played for the Natal "B" side - the Natal Wildebeest - whilst studying his degree in Business at Natal University.
During this period, when rugby fixtures allowed, but always placed before study commitments , Shaun competed in as many sailing regattas as he could, including a World Championship Regatta. Eventually, after a two week trial, he joined the South African America's Cup Challenge, competing aboard 'Team Shosholoza' in the prestigious competition. Shaun spent three years with the team, two of which were in Spain competing in the Louis Vuitton series.
After three years away from rugby, Shaun really missed the game and started playing once more for his local club in Durban, from where he was again selected for the Natal Wildebeest.
Playing for the 'Bees' last season was his first in England, and he might have stayed there but for the club's well documented financial woes. However, during the period when they were placed into liquidation he received an offer to play for the Cornish Pirates, which was one he couldn't refuse.
On his arrival in Penzance, he immediately enjoyed the professional structure and great club environment. He found the coaching and medical staff to be excellent, and the players also made him feel welcomed. Happy with his move, he was immediately keen to make a positive contribution to the Pirates Championship hopes for the season.
Cornish Pirates supporters have seen much to impress from the wholehearted player, who made his debut as a replacement at London Welsh, and he in turn admires the following from true rugby folk, who also showed a level of generosity which impressed him enormously when an instinctive collection for the struggling Bees players raised over £1,600 for his former colleagues.
Commentating at the time, Shaun said: “I know that donation was greatly appreciated by my friends there, and is also a great indication of the character and generosity of the Cornish Pirates faithful.”
His words were sincere and honest – it no surprise to hear them from such an individual.
