The Cornish Pirates coaching duo, Alan Paver and Gavin Cattle, are in New Zealand this week meeting up and staying with the club’s former High Performance Manager, Chris Stirling.

They arrived in Wellington on Saturday, and will depart on Wednesday, June 1.

The intention of the trip is for Alan and Gavin to shadow Chris at work in his role as High Performance Manager for the Hurricanes rugby team with time spent with all the coaches and support staff.

This will culminate at the end of the week when they will watch ‘Super Rugby’ action when the Hurricanes play the Highlanders at the Westpac Stadium, Wellington.

Chris, who thinks very highly of both Alan and Gavin, commented: “With the appointment of Gavin and Alan as coaches, for the Pirates there are exciting times ahead. I have had the opportunity to gain vast knowledge through my work with New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes, and am very excited to be able to share this with them and the Pirates.

“The pair have great potential, and being very strong both technically and tactically they have all the qualities needed to succeed. Most of all they are loyal, passionate Pirates.”

For the Cornish Pirates, Chairman Ian Connell said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Gav and Paves to be at the sharp end and observe southern hemisphere Super Rugby within the squad environment. They will learn a lot and Chris has been instrumental in setting up this not to be refused opportunity.

The Pirates are also hugely indebted to Richard Cockram (deputy chairman) and his wife Sue who have generously sponsored their airfares in order to support Gav and Paves as our rugby leaders.”