Cornish Pirates Aim for Premiership Rugby with Franchise-Style Model and New Arena Plans
The Cornish Pirates rugby club is pursuing entry into top-tier rugby through a franchise-style model, supported by a strategic 'Prem Plan' designed to reach the Premiership. The club, whose playing budget is approximately £800,000—less than half of the current championship leaders—remains competitive under coaches Gavin Cattle and Alan Paver.
Previously, the club's owner, Sir Richard Evans, had sought to develop a Stadium for Cornwall, but funding was withdrawn due to local political issues. In 2022, Evans announced a three-year sunset plan due to these challenges. However, a local investor consortium intervened to prevent the club from folding.
Political and commercial discussions are ongoing regarding a potential new arena near Truro. This proposed multi-use hub would include a rugby venue, music venue, hotel, and medical centre, situated on land close to the A30 to improve accessibility. Chief Executive Sally Pettipher emphasized that while no plans are finalized, the club remains committed to the Pursuit of the Premiership, asserting that Cornwall deserves a top-tier club.
The club currently plays at Mennaye Field, which is owned by the Penzance & Newlyn amateur club and lacks the necessary infrastructure to meet Premiership standards. Its Tribute Stand features an eco-friendly roof but attendance at the last home game was a modest 1,722 supporters.
The Rugby Football Union’s chief executive Bill Sweeney has visited to understand the vision, while Brive chair Simon Gillham participated remotely. The article draws parallels with regional clubs like Brive and Vannes, which have successfully established national identities.
The Cornish Pirates envision a model akin to a Red Bull-type franchise arrangement. They suggest that a buyer could acquire the club at a bargain price to cultivate a Cornwall-wide rugby brand and proposition. Those interested in such an opportunity have been encouraged to contact Pettipher.
Timing remains uncertain, with 2030 identified as a potential cutoff for non-elite clubs to join the top tier, amidst ongoing debates about Premiership expansion. The Pirates aim to be part of that development by then.
