Pirates face Cardiff in friendly

Cornish Pirates start their pre-season campaign against Cardiff at the Camborne Rec on Saturday.

Cardiff won the Welsh Principality Premiership last term and will compete in the British & Irish Cup alongside the Pirates next season.

Harvey Biljon, the Pirates backs coach, is expecting a tough encounter.

"You've got to respect them," Biljon said. "They did well last season so they'll be well organised and it will be a good test for us."

The Pirates have made several changes to their squad during the close season and Saturday will be the first time the new look side enter competitive action.

"It's very exciting to get our first run out," said Biljon. "We'll be giving all of our players an opportunity to get some game time.

"If you're looking for entertainment and a ferocious tackle area then Saturday will be really good fun," he added.

The Pirates second pre-season friendly is away against Harlequins on 29 August and Biljon said meeting top quality opponents will set the side up well for the new season.

He said: "I think we are fortunate enough to have two very strong sides to play against which means we will be battle hardened and well prepared.

"You don't want games that you will be entirely dominant in, you want to be tested and we'll get that both from Cardiff and Harlequins."

Saturday's game kicks off at 1700 BST at the Camborne Rec.