NEWS EXTRA

By MIKE SINCLAIR
AN “overwhelming” response from rugby supporters to help Cornish Pirates meet the cost of Covid-testing and return to action has seen their appeal pass the £24,000 mark in the first week.
Chief executive officer Rebecca Thomas launched the Pledge4Pirates appeal with the club facing a testing bill of more than £100,000 to fulfil their Championship fixtures.
The response from fans in Cornwall and beyond will help soften the blow of losing a potentially bumper opening day crowd when Saracens visit the Mennaye Field on March 6 f...