Long-standing Championship double act extend their stay

Long-serving Cornish Pirates co-coaches, Gavin Cattle and Alan Paver, have signed new deals to remain at the Mennaye Field beyond the end of this season.

Bridgend-born Cattle and Yorkshireman Paver first arrived at the Pirates as players over two decades ago and became key members of the team that reached the Championship play-off final in 2011 and 2012 under the ownership of Dicky Evans.

Despite being born outside of the county, their contribution to Cornish rugby has been immense.

Scrum-half Cattle was voted into the Championship Dream Team a joint record five times, while Paver, a prop, was the cornerstone of the Pirates’ pack for 14 years, making 360 appearances.

Once they hung up their boots, Cattle and Paver became coaches and have shared the role as co-coaches since 2016, with next season being their 10th in their dual role.

“I feel privileged to be in the job for another year. Under Dicky’s ownership we had an exceptional time, and as we enter a new era part of my duty now is to help make that transition go as smoothy as possible,” said Cattle, who also played for Llanelli and the Scarlets.

“This year has been more challenging than last. We had more experienced players then, whereas we have had to develop more this time around, but with a determination to see things through. As we have seen, the players have responded admirably.

“Yes, Alan and I have been given credit, but we mustn’t forget we have a fine team of support staff behind us. There are not masses of bodies here, however, we have been very fortunate that everyone goes above and beyond.”

The Pirates are fourth in the Championship with one round to go, an admirable effort considering the first half of the season was played out against a backdrop of financial uncertainty.

While the playing squad has undergone a big overhaul, having continuity in the coaching department is a big positive moving forward under new ownership.

Paver said: “Obviously, I am delighted that I’m continuing my teamwork with Gavin and, more recently, with Joe (coach Joe Walsh), who has taken on a lot of the responsibility this year. We are the three amigos!

“We know we are going through a transition stage as the club looks to stabilise, and I feel Gav and I have a real good handle on how that works and what we need to do year by year. Our passion for the club and the community is always there.

“The stage where we are at is really pleasing, and we look forward to the future in the hope that we can build still further.”