James Doherty column

Cornish Pirates scrum-half

The attitude of the squad as a whole is infective and there is a buzz around Cornwall about the coming season

I am a new member of the Cornish pirates squad this year.

This is also my first year in professional rugby since joining from National League One side Wharfedale at the end of last season.

Leaving the Dales, friends, family and a very understanding girlfriend behind was a decision that has been proven to be a good one.

It's been a huge change for me both professionally and personally, but life in the Cornwall is treating me well.

We came together as a squad in early June and have enjoyed a variety of changes in the back-room staff.

The new coaching team of Chris Stirling (high performance manager) Harvey Biljon (backs coach) and Ian Davies (forwards coach) have worked like a well oiled machine and it's been evident in training that the planning and preparation for the Championship has been meticulous this year.

The attitude of the squad as a whole is infective and there is a buzz around Cornwall about the coming season.

On my arrival, after explaining that I wasn't the new mascot or a children's competition winner (I'm not the biggest of guys), I, like the rest of the squad was pushed to the limits by Simon Raynes, our strength and conditioning coach.

And I think anyone who has watched us in our first three games will know Simon is doing a good job.

Team moral is high and for me that has been very important in the last month as I'm recovering from a broken thumb.

In my first game for the Pirates I was on the field for 39 minutes and just before half-time I proved what bad rucking technique can do.

But with a few wires and an oversized comedy plaster cast I'm on the mend and making good progress.

I'm keeping myself busy with plenty of cycling, circumnavigating the globe twice a week.

Having enjoyed a good win at Nottingham last week the squad are in good spirits but still focused on the long-term goals.

We are all looking forward to the first home game against Moseley and playing in front of a packed house.

With over 1,000 season tickets sold already we are hoping to give the fans something to cheer about and justify being one of the best supported clubs in the league.