NICOLAS De Battista is aiming to make a big impact this season with a new-look Cornish Pirates side after sitting out virtually the whole of the last campaign through injury.
The former Argentina U20 player, who missed the epic opening day victory over Saracens after a training injury two days earlier, then ruptured his Achilles 20 minutes into his first outing against Doncaster.
He is on course to return to action next month but is excited to be fully involved in preparations for the new season.
Close-season departures and arrivals have seen the age of the Pirates squad reduced significantly over the summer and De Battista said: “It's exciting to be with this group of young players and we have a responsibility to take them the right way.
“We are focusing on enjoying it and having the crowds back, training and playing every weekend after all that has happened.”
After being re-appointed as club captain for the new season – with flanker John Stevens, the son of Cornwall rugby legend and former England prop “Stack” Stevens named as vice-captain – de Battista added: “I'm proud to be leading these players. It's been very tough this year, there's been a lot of work and rehab but I'm now on the nal track and fi I'm on the way back.”
De Battista's injury was a second blow for Pirates after their other first-choice centre Callum Patterson was ruled out for the entire campaign after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in pre-season, and he is not expected to be back before December.
Winger Callum Sirker, from Wasps, hooker Syd Blackmore from Ampthill, flanker Will Gibson who captained Cardiff Met University, utility back Joe Elderkin, who has played for Exeter's second-string Braves, flyhalf Arwel Roberts from the Dragons and back row Bear Williams from Rosslyn Park are among the early 20-somethings recruited this summer.
Pirates have also recruited the six players who will be dual-registered from Exeter Chiefs for the coming season.
Full back/centre Tommy Wyatt, Namibian prop Patrick Schickerling and lock Cory Teague return to the Mennaye. They will be joined by former England U20 props Alfie Petch, below, , and James Kenny and lock Lewis Pearson.
Pirates coach Alan Paver said: brought in youth and enthusiasm with guys who can as- pire to the next level. fully they can thrive while they here .”
