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Page last updated at 09:39 GMT, Friday, 23 May 2008 10:39 UK

Launceston pull off double swoop

Semmens (left) and Wilson
Darren Semmens (left) and Ian Wilson pose in their new shirts

Launceston have made two further additions to their squad for their 2008-09 National League Two campaign - both from rival South West clubs.

Hooker Darren Semmens, 20, follows Mounts Bay team mate Chris Morris to Polson Bridge.

The Cornish All Blacks have also signed Exeter scrum-half Ian Wilson, 26.

They are the latest South West players to join the All Blacks. The club have also signed Redruth hooker Glenn Cooper and Exeter fly-half Adam Staniforth.

"Ian's work rate is phenomenal," said Launceston head coach Chris Brown.

"His understanding with Adam Staniforth through Exeter is something that will be of benefit to us should they find themselves playing 9 and 10.

I think that Launceston can be number one

New Launceston signing Darren Semmens

"Ian's organisational skills and leadership on the pitch is something that we are very attracted by and we see him as a direct replacement for Sam Alford."

Wilson said: "It's always a difficult decision to leave a club and I'm sorry to be leaving Exeter.

"But I know that the All Blacks are a side that are respected throughout English rugby and they were very unlucky not to have stayed in League One."

Semmens says that he is aiming to get promoted straight back to National League One with Launceston, after being promoted with Mounts Bay from National Three South last season.

"It was a hard decision to leave Mounts Bay," he said. "I have loved it there for three years but now is the time to move and develop further.

"Mounts Bay will be one of the top five teams in the league next season but I think that Launceston can be number one."


see also
Three sign for Cornish All Blacks
16 May 08 |  Rugby Union
Staniforth makes All Blacks move
02 May 08 |  Rugby Union
Launceston relegated by huge loss
27 Apr 08 |  Rugby Union


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