Joyce earns Pirates reward

Cornish Pirates: Bolstered their ranks with the capture of Peter Joyce

Prop forward Peter Joyce has earned a full-time contract with the Cornish Pirates after impressing while on loan.

The 26-year-old Dorset-born former England Counties player has been called up twice in the past to play for the Pirates on loan from Redruth.

His first appearance was way back in 2007 in a National One game at Newbury and he then donned the Pirates shirt more recently in the pre-season friendly against Newport.

Cornish Pirates head coach Ian Davies said Joyce has been on the club's radar for some time and he is delighted to give him a shot at professional rugby.

Monitoring

He told the club's official website: "Peter is one of number of Cornwall based players who we have been monitoring for the last year or so.

"After speaking with him it was very apparent that there was a huge desire to give professional rugby a go.

"We are pleased to be able to give Peter a shot and we are confident he will become a good Championship prop for us."

Pirates chief executive Rod Coward added: "Not only is this a good result for Peter Joyce and the Cornish Pirates, but it also represents the value in having good relations and ties with local clubs.

"We look forward to maintaining and improving those ties in the future."