On Saturday the Reds take to the Recreation Ground for the first time this summer for the visit of the Cornish Pirates. The Pirates play their rugby at Level 2 in the Championship, or at least it was the Championship. This division has now been renamed, no doubt by some overpaid plonker at the RFU, as Champ Rugby. This name change of course will make all the challenges faced by clubs at this level just fade away.

Last Saturday the Reds had a good run out against St.Austell in the wind and sunshine with pretty much all of the squad getting some game time. The Reds came out winners by 35-10 but as in all pre-season fixtures the game was more about preparation than results. Saturday will be a very stiff test against the Pirates who last season finished in an excellent 4th place, making them the 14th best side in the country. The speed the Pirates will play at will be mirrored by the Reds first league opponents Loughborough Students on September 6th. This will be the Pirates first outing of the season because their first league match does not come until October 4th, I guess to avoid the Women’s World Cup.

The Reds and the Pirates have had a good relationship for many years with players moving between the clubs to further their rugby knowledge, long may this continue. Let’s hope for a great game of rugby on Saturday with no injuries.

The players would like spectators to join them in Hellfire Corner after the game to enjoy a drink or two.

Membership 2025/2026
I will be stationed in my regular place near the turnstiles on Saturday to collect Membership payments for the new season or to hand out cards to those who have already signed up. I will be in situ from around 1.30pm, please try and arrive in good time and not just before kick-off, I want to see the game as well.