Cornwall's rugby scene is on the brink of a potential revolution, with the Cornish Pirates hoping to lure investors and create a franchise that could shake up the sport's landscape. The Pirates' story is one of resilience and determination, having faced numerous challenges in their quest to establish a top-level professional rugby team in Cornwall. Despite the odds, the club has persevered, and now, with a new vision and a potential new arena, they are ready to make a bold move.
The million-dollar question is: What happens next? Negotiations are underway, and the Pirates are aiming to create an exciting hub for Cornwall, attracting high-profile musicians and bands to play for the benefit of the entire community. This new arena could also include a hotel or even a medical center, all while keeping rugby at its heart. The location, close to the A30, would ensure decent access for visitors.
Sally Pettipher, the Pirates' chief executive, emphasizes that nothing is set in stone yet, but she confirms that the club has a 'Prem Plan' in place and is committed to reaching the top tier, whatever it takes. She believes that Cornwall deserves a Premiership club and is determined to build a business that supports one. 'We wouldn't remain as a full-time professional rugby club if that wasn't our ambition,' she stresses.
The Rugby Football Union's chief executive, Bill Sweeney, has even made a 600-mile round trip to the far southwest to learn more about the Pirates' vision. The same Sweeney who has often been criticized for not nurturing the underfunded English second tier. At a function hosted by St Austell Brewery, he and a range of sponsors and shareholders were presented with a thought-provoking vision by Simon Gillham, the chair of the Championship but also the vice-president of Brive in France.
Gillham's presentation highlighted the success of Brive, a town with a smaller population than west Cornwall, yet a go-ahead rugby club that has fashioned a distinct nationwide identity. If the desire is there and suitable backers can be found, could the Pirates do the same? Maybe. Maybe not. Most Championship clubs are fighting for their futures, and the clock is ticking loudly.
Pettipher believes that the mood music from Twickenham points to a closed-shop Premiership, with 2030 as a potential cut-off date for those outside the elite. 'There are people looking to be there sooner and faster and shut the door,' she says. 'We're going to be kicking those doors down to make sure we're there in time.'
However, significant headwinds remain, with low attendance at the Pirates' recent home game. Recruiting new fans in Cornwall can be tricky, as Dicky Evans, the Penzance-born owner, once memorably put it, 'mackerel don't watch rugby.' Their current base, owned by the Penzance & Newlyn amateur club, is a long way from satisfying Premiership standards, even if the green-tinged roof of the main Tribute Stand has a certain bucolic charm.
But what is English rugby if it casually abandons its roots? 'You're protecting a heartland here. Don't let another sport take it,' warns Pettipher, hoping Sweeney can use his influence to promote investment and oil the wheels of progress. 'If we're coherent and competent, he will be more willing to play the part we need him to play. No one wants to muck about with things that are failing, do they?'
In a new franchise-based world, Pettipher argues, there is a unique opportunity for someone. 'There's no reason why the Cornish Pirates couldn't be the next one with a Red Bull-type arrangement. If you look across continents and oceans, you often can't buy a sports franchise unless you're a billionaire. But you could come to Cornwall and buy into golden beaches, Poldark, castles, and romance, as well as rugged, gritty farmers and fishermen. You wouldn't have to spend much money to own a fantastic piece of olde England.'
So, watch this space. Perhaps there is a sport-loving Californian surf dude out there who likes a cream tea, fancies creating a new-age Cornish Camelot, and can see the potential marketing spin-offs? And what is the point of sport without aspiration, passion, and a desire to upset the odds? If you can think of someone who might fit – and foot – the bill, tell them to call Sally Pettipher.
