First
the bad news.
Rod Coward confirmed the previously
stated position that if the stadium project at Threemilestone went ahead, we would
only be leasing the facility, which would be wholly developed by Truro City/Kevin
Heany.
The stadium project is moving very slowly (if at all). The
biggest problem being a massive downturn in the building industry, which has likely
put a strain on Truro City’s owner.
Rod also confirmed that if we
were to win the league next season, then we would likely not be able to accept
promotion due to the RFU increasing the entry requirement (not just the seated
capacity, but also the infrastructure facilities and other requirements).
Unfortunately
there is not another facility in Cornwall that comes remotely close to fulfilling
these requirements. Financially there is practically no chance of help from European
funding, Central Government or Local Government.
The aim is still to try
and win the league, but then take the reported £700k for winning it, and
investing it so that we would be in a position to accept it the next time.
Then
the good news.
Once the league is reduced to twelve teams, the proposal
is for the top teams at the end of the following seasons to compete in a playoff
for promotion.
Most people were against this, but the sweetener was that
the top four teams in the league would play in an Anglo-Welsh cup with the twelve
Premiership teams plus the top four regional teams in Wales. This was stated as
being the top priority for the Pirates, as it would massively increase national
exposure for the club with a commensurate increase in sponsorship. Not to mention
the enjoyment of playing Premiership teams to a full house in Camborne.
Whilst
I was disappointed to hear that Joe Beardshaw needs another operation (we sorely
missed him at the end of last season), the good news is that it should be a quick
turn around and he should be ready to start at the beginning of the season, if
not soon after. All other players are reported to be in top condition, or will
be by the start of the season.
The coaches are well aware of the new law
changes for next season, and are adapting the style of play accordingly. Generally
the coaching staff appeared to be very up-beat.
Whilst admitting there
was a falling off of performance at the end of last season, there was some plain
talking on why it had likely happened and a resolve not to let it happen again.
Personally I was impressed with the coaches realistic approach, and this section
of the Q&A did most to make me excited for the coming season.
For those
that were worried about lack of pre-season matches against a top team, it was
announced that there was to be a behind closed doors training session with Bristol.
It would be behind closed doors because it would be half practice, half stop-start
semi paced game.
Apparently the club had been approached by a few other
Premiership clubs (including Sale) wanting to play pre-season games, but these
all wanted the Pirates to travel to them.
The new kit.
I have
to say that the new kit looks VERY good.
The
new home shirt is a lot more reminiscent of the old P&N shirt (from the front
at least), in a way that the practice shirt from last season failed to achieve.
From a fashion point of view I’m not sure it’s as bold a design as last
seasons shirt, but from a playing piece of kit it looks to be a lot better.
The
away shirt (or 2nd shirt) looks fantastic, and IMHO is a lot better design than
the new Cornwall RFU shirt (which looks a bit gaudy to me). One thing that I don’t
think is apparent from the photographs on the main site is that the away shirt
has a St. Piran’s flag badge down on the left hip, nice. This might be the
first away shirt I get, as it really does look fantastic.
Not shown so
far was an old style casual rugby shirt, using a more traditional material. For
casual wear this was the dogs bollocks. This more than even the new home shirt
conjured up the feeling of the old P&N design. I see Whirlwind Sports selling
a LOT of these shirts.
