Cornish rugby clubs prepare for Regional One South West season

Cornish rugby clubs Launceston and St Austell are preparing for the start of their Regional One South West campaigns.

Launceston enters the season under new head coach Steve Perry, who aims to deliver ‘exciting and entertaining rugby’. The club has seen significant changes following a ninth-place finish last season, including the departure of long-serving player and coach Ryan Westren. Perry is joined by new forwards coach Will James to lead the team in their opener against Trowbridge.

St Austell head coach Sam Parsons expressed confidence in his squad ahead of their home match against Chew Valley. Despite losing several players to overseas commitments or transfers, including Matt Shepherd and Ben Saunders, the club has bolstered its roster with international talent. New arrivals include Australian hooker Connor Wild and Sam Stokes, as well as South African back Neldus Kruger.