Beaten Championship finalist Cornish Pirates have completed rebuilding their squad ahead of next season.
Smith the final addition for 2011/12 challenge
Beaten Championship finalist Cornish Pirates have completed rebuilding their squad ahead of next season.
The Pirates lost out to Worcester Warriors over two legs, but they are determined to be in the mix once again.
Having already secured the signings of Darren Daniel, David Doherty, Tom Cooper, Tom Kessell, Ben Maidment, Matt Smith, Andrew Suniula, Ceiron Thomas and Ryan Westren, the Cornishmen have moved to add England Students lock Matt Smith to their pack.
Smith, a graduate from UWIC, impressed the Pirates playing against France Students, with the club's forwards coach Ian Davies saying: "Matt is a gifted forward who shows great potential. Paul Westgate who coaches England Students has spoken highly of him, as has Chris Davey, the head coach UWIC.
Attitude
"After meeting with Matt we were left with the impression that he also has the right attitude and should blend in well with our developing squad."
As well as the new additions, the Pirates have confirmed James Currie, Ben Gulliver (to Worcester), Tyrone Holmes, Matt Hopper (to Harlequins), Nick Jackson, Tom Luke and Steve Winn are to leave the club.
Cornish Pirates chief executive Rod Coward said: "Our recruitment for next season is now completed and the coaches are confident that the squad we've assembled will be capable of producing quality performances and hopefully improving on the achievements of the season just finished.
"We wish all players leaving the Pirates every success in their future careers and thank them for the contributions they have made during their time at the club and especially for their efforts during last season."
