Cornish Pirates

Jim McKay

Joining us as a backs coach from the fall-out at Rotherham in 2004, Jim quickly stepped up to take charge of the Pirates following the departure of Kevin Moseley in October that year.

Relishing the challenge, his first game in charge was against Esher in the Powergen Cup - an encouraging start - as we thrashed them 64-0 at the Mennaye Field.

However, seven days later in the league we were beaten 24-13 at Otley, but there were no excuses. Jim was then able to start his work in earnest to put some different ideas and structures in place.

As the weeks went by the marked improvement and professionalism was there for all to see, and by the season's end we were in fourth place, a mighty achievement in only our second season in National 1.

Jim was born and educated in Sydney, growing up to enjoy surfing on its northern beaches, it no surprise that he became a lifeguard. His rugby in Australia was played at a high level, in the backs, and mainly as a wing. At Warringah he was in the same side as Topo Rodriguez, the former Argentina and 'Wallaby' front-rower.

A spell with the Gordon club followed, before then moving to Randwick, his most memorable rugby playing experience being the occasion when he made his first grade debut for this famous Australian team. Whilst at Randwick he played alongside the likes of David Campese, Eddie Jones, Phil Kearns, Ewen McKenzie, Simon Poideven, Mark and Gary Ella, plus Michael Chieka and David Knox, the present Leinster coaches.

Arriving in England in 1995, Jim held player-coach roles with Stourbridge, Norwich and North Walsham, before coaching became the number one focus for this former carpenter, who has also worked in advertising and picked fruit in Israel!

Coaching influences had been Bob Dwyer and Rod Macqueen, who have both coached Australia, Jim progressing to gain further experience at Henley, Birmingham & Solihull, and Orrell, before heading to the far south-west from Rotherham.

Off the field Jim still loves surfing (at Fistral beach, Newquay), bike riding, reading and learning, and finds living in Newquay about as close as you can get to Sydney. There is also a strong affiliation with Manly Surf Club, of which he is a member.

Having guided us to third in 2005/06, our best ever finish in a season which revealed glimpses of a bold vision for the future, a fifth place in 2006-07 was a slight disappointment, injuries having seriously taken their toll. However, to win the EDF Energy National Trophy at Twickenham, especially in consideration of the injury-crisis experienced, was a truly major achievement - something that evolved through team spirit and from leadership at the top.

Jim, who has truly embraced the Cornish way of life and would cherish becoming a family man here, holds strongly the ambition to one day take the Pirates into the Premiership. It is a dream that we all support, leaving us to simply say - good on yer mate!