Cornish Pirates Capture Four New Signings

By Dick Straughan
April 10 2007

The Cornish Pirates are delighted to announce the capture of four new signings for next season. Nick Buckley from Moseley, Rob Elloway from Gloucester, and the Irish duo of Brian Tuohy and Gareth Steenson from Earth Titans will all head to the Duchy in the summer.

The news comes as a major boost to Jim McKay`s team as they seek to end their strong league campaign this season with some Twickenham silverware in the EDF Trophy.

Centre Nick Buckley, a 27 year old New Zealander,has played for Auckland and also Manawatu against the touring British Lions in 2004. He played together with Pirates favourite Tim Cowley at Silverdale and also Auckland Blues Colts where they were coached by legendary All Black, Wayne Shelford. As the news of Buckley`s signing for the Pirates broke, Cowley described him as "a gifted, fearless and tough competitor. Someone who will be an asset to the team."

Highly rated hooker Rob Elloway, 23, joins the Pirates from Kingsholm. He has represented England Schools 18 Group but despite Premiership and European Cup experience at Gloucester has been unable to secure a regular first team place ahead of Welsh international Mefin Davies, and the Frenchman Olivier Azam. Pirates Assistant Coach, Mark Hewitt, worked with Elloway at Gloucester. He said, "Rob is an exceptional young player. An exciting addition to our squad, and someone with European and Premiership experience."

Earth Titans flyer, Brian Tuohy, is the Yorkshire club`s leading try scorer this season with fifteen touchdowns to his name. The 24 year-old who has represented Shannon, Munster, and Ireland at Sevens level can play at either Centre or on the Wing. His pace and power have made him a handful for many defences this season and the Irishman looks set to be an exciting addition to the Pirates back line.

Tuohy is joined in Cornwall by club colleague and fellow countryman, Gareth Steenson. The 23 year-old Fly-Half was snapped up by Titans from Dungannon last season and has not disappointed with 228 points to date in this campaign, making him the leading points scorer at the Rotherham club. The Ulsterman captained Ireland U21`s in the 2005 World Championships where he won the "Player of the Tournament" award. With Alberto Di Bernardo reportedly leaving the Pirates for Leeds Tykes, Steenson will make an exciting and talented replacement.

Further announcements regarding the Pirates squad for 2007-2008 will be made in the coming weeks.