Congratulations to our players who have been picked to trial for the South west squad this season.
Best of luck guys.
Gill Burns Cup Squad Announced
The 2026 Cornwall Women’s Gill Burns Cup squad has been announced and as expected there are a large number picked from Cornwall’s top side Launceston Ladies.
Also notable a number of players from Ivybridge Women who topped their league this season and will be competing in South 1 next season.
Penryn Ladies contribute four players to this season’s squad
Truro Women also have a number of players in the squad reflecting their excellent season that saw them finish runners-up in NC 2 South West (West).
Finally, Camborne Women, unbeaten in NC 3 South West (West) see their great form rewarded with five players called up.
Cornwall Women begin their campaign at home to Berkshire Women on Sunday 17th May at Polson Bridge 2 pm, followed by a trip to Devon on Sunday 24th May to take on last season’s Gill Burns Division 2 champions Devon Women at North Tawton, with the Tamar Cup also up for grabs.
Advance tickets of £5 can be purcharsed via the CRFU link on FanBase
Gill Burns Division 2 Fixtures;
Sun 17th May, Cornwall Women v Berkshire Women @ Launceston RC 2 pm
Sun 24th May, Devon Women v Cornwall Women @ North Tawton RFC 2:30 pm
Cornwall Women overcome Falmouth rain to defeat Police
CORNWALL WOMEN REPRESENTATIVE MATCH
CORNWALL WOMEN 17 – 5 BRITISH POLICE WOMEN
By Bill Hooper at Recreation Ground, Falmouth
Cornwall Women continued their build up to this season’s Gill Burns Division 2 campaign with a hard fought win over British Police Women in a game played in a continuous downpour which made for challenging conditions.
The match was played over four 20 minutes periods so that the whole Cornwall squad of some twenty-eight players were given valuable game time.
Cornwall Women began well as the Police soaked up the pressure, but it took a try-saving tackle by Rachel Hicks to arrest a certain Police try.
The Police did take the lead shortly after with a converted try.
Cornwall stormed back at their opponents and levelled matters when Camborne’s Caitlin Milliken drove over for a try which was converted by player of the match Truro’s Tori Crutchley.
Penryn’s Abby Masquelier, who has been in super form for the Penryn ladies, put in a couple of strong runs highlighting her pace.
The scoreboard remained unchanged after 40 minutes.
Cornwall took the lead with an excellent score from Launceston’s Abi Smith, Crutchley once more adding the extras.
Camborne speedster Aimee – Jean Holsey finished off some great work from Amy Bunt to score Cornwall’s third try.
Despite losing a player to the sin-bin Cornwall wrapped up the win when Bunt again showed her pace and strength to outpace the Police cover to score Cornwall’s fourth try, which Crutchley again converted.
Cornwall brave fightback falls just short
CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP
2026 The Jason Leonard Cup.
CORNWALL U.20, 29 – 35 BERKSHIRE U.20
By Bill Hooper at Recreation Ground, Redruth
Cornwall Under 20’s run in this season’s Jason Leonard Cup was brought to an end by a very good Berkshire Under 20’s side whom it has to be conceded deserved to qualify for the semi-finals where they will next play Hertfordshire Under 20’s for a place in the Twickenham final.
Conditions proved treacherous with heavy showers both prior and during the match making the ball slippery.
Berkshire soon gave us a glimpse of their strength in the forwards, notably the back row of Charlie Burton, Aaron Preston and Olly Marsh, whilst at half-back Louis Roumignac and Will Hibberdeane marshalled their backs.
Cornwall had issues at lineout time which limited their attacking options, however they opened the scoring with a penalty from in front of the posts by Oli Roberts.
Berkshire stormed back taking the lead with a well-worked try by wing Ethan Bassett, converted by Hibberdeane. Bassett’s fellow wing David Ajisafe also caught the eye with his change of pace and footwork.
Further pressure from the visitors on the half-hour mark saw Roumignac dart in from close range under the sticks, Hibberdeane on the money with the extras.
Cornwall needed a score and duly delivered following another good run from Barney Lewis set up field position which saw Dan Kent driven over with Roberts adding the conversion to leave it at the break 14-10 to Berkshire.
Playing down the slope, Berkshire again started the half strongly when Liam Thomas burrowed over for a converted try for a crucial first score of the half.
The mountain became even stepper when Ollie Ireland scored to put Berkshire more than two scores ahead.
Into the final quarter, Cornwall needed a break, it came when Lewis put Bracken Headland away the winger was denied by some foul play which led to the awarding of a penalty-try and saw the influential Hibberdeane yellow carded.
Cornwall, cheered on by the grandstand crowd, tore back at Berkshire, a big hit by skipper Oscar Marr dislodged the ball allowing Headland this time to finish off a flowing move to raise hopes.
The chaos suited Cornwall and shook the visitors, but the momentum was stopped dead when Cornwall playing out of their twenty-two gifted a pass to Bassett who ran in his second try, Hibberdean’s conversion kissed both uprights before going over to run salt into the wound.
A big carry by Jack Jenkin set up lock Kent’s second try for Cornwall converted by Tom Tanswell leaving Cornwall six points adrift on the final whistle.
Cornwall U.20: Barney Lewis, Bracken Headland (both Newquay Hornets), Marley Johns, Robbie Paul (both Redruth), Oli Roberts (Camborne), Oscar Marr (Penzance & Newlyn), Alfie Brooksbank (Camborne); Rosko Troughton (Helston), Ted Hocking (Penzance & Newlyn), Callum Johns (Launceston), Dan Kent (Wadebridge Camels), Ed Boaden (Helston), Oli Wells, Joel Pryor, Fin Robinson (all Redruth).
Replacements: Leo Armstrong-Lever (Helston), Archie Beetles (Wadebridge Camels), Riley Raikes, Dan Bennett (both St. Austell), Jack Jenkin (Helston), Jake Walker (Camborne), Tom Tanswell (Penryn), Sam Blake (Truro).
Cornwall U.20 scores: Tries, Kent (2), Penalty-try, Headland, Cons, Roberts, Tanswell, Pen, Roberts
Fan link for purchase of tickets v Kent
The Fan Base link to purchase tickets for Cornwall’s Bill Beaumont Cup match on Saturday May 23rd at Camborne RFC, kick-off 2 pm is now available via the lin below.
Save £1 off the standard £10 gate charge via Fan Base.
Cornwall announce Under 20 team to play Berkshire Under 20s
PRESS RELEASE
CORNWALL RFU UNDER 20 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP
2026 The Jason Leonard Cup.
Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship home campaign 2026 continues as we enter the knockout stages of this season’s Jason Leonard Cup. Cornwall host Berkshire RFU who werethe Southwest pool 1 winners. The game will take place on Sunday 3rdMay with a 1400 kick off time at Redruth RFC.
CRFU President Andy Reed said “This is an opportunity for theseguys to progress within this year’s competition. Last week the table showed us first after a fantastic victory over Somerset and Southwest pool 2 winners. The guys had to work hard to overcome a first half deficit, showed real grit and determination to overcome a strong Somerset team to earn this home quarterfinal”.
Cornwall won their first game at home to Devon by 46 – 15 and more importantly denied Devon any points in what proved to be a tight pool.
The second game Cornwall earned maximum points with a 35 – 47 victory over Somerset who had also lost their first game against Devon.
Coach Rich Kevern said – “We asked for a massive performance against Somerset and the boys certainly put in a great shift and produced a superb win after a shaky first 30 minutes. We now must
prepare for Berkshire on Sunday who topped southwest pool 1 and need another massive performance. We are now into knockout rugby, win and we progress or lose and end of season”.
The game will be played at Redruth RFC with a 1400 kick off time.
Cornwall Captain Oscar Marr said, – “Every game we play now is crucial and we will not get another second chance. For several players including myself this is our last season with the U20 and so we must perform on the day. I know the boys are up for the challenge. At the end of the day, we will put out the best team available to us and give 110% whilst wearing the black and gold shirt. As a group we really have appreciated the support at home and especially away last week at Burnham on Sea and hope the Black and Gold army will be out in force on Sunday to lift us and cheers us on”.
The winner of this game will face the winner of the Hertfordshire v Kent game and will be played on Sunday 17th May.
The CRFU Chair Steve Murley said, -” Logistically this causes teams some headaches, with the senior women also playing on the Saturday at Falmouth RFC. These are challenges that the support staff deal with to ensure both teams get the same level of support they need and deserve. As most leagues fixtures have now ended hopefully club v county dilemma will be avoided and a fully firing team will be put out to face Berkshire. A big thank you to Redruth RFC, all our supporters and sponsors, the players, coaches, and backroom staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support
all our teams”.
There will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities with the Under 20’s team and matches, any individuals or companies that may be interested are asked to contact the CRFU in the first instance.
Commercial-development@crfu.co.uk
Email – ljc80@aol.com
Mob – 07967054826
Cornwall U20 v Berkshire
Sunday 3rd May @ Redruth RFC 1400 kick off.
TEAM
1 Rosko Troughton Helston
2 Ted Hocking Penzance & Newlyn
3 Callum Johns Launceston
4 Dan Kent Wadebridge Camels
5 Ed Boaden Helston
6 Oli Wells Redruth
7 Joel Pryor Redruth
8 Fin Robinson Redruth
9 Alfie Brooksbank Camborne
10 Oscar Marr (Captain) Penzance & Newlyn
11 Oli Roberts Camborne
12 Robbie Paul Redruth
13 Marley Johns Redruth
14 Bracken Headland Newquay Hornets
15 Barney Lewis Newquay Hornets
Impact Players
16 Leo Armstrong-Lever Helston
17 Archie Beetles Wadebridge Camels
18 Riley Raikes St Austell
19 Dan Bennett St Austell
20 Jack Jenkin Helston
21 Jake Walker Camborne
22 Tom Tanswell Penryn
23 Sam Blake Truro
TR Harry Derry Wadebridge Camels
TR Callum Phillips Wadebridge Camels
Coaches – Rich Kevern, Brad Howe, David Mankee, Jack Hazelton
Team Manager LJ Collick, Colin Hatch
Medical cover – Ronnie Bartlett + Hen Gard
Kit – Paul Hurrell, Photographer Simon Bryant,
Match Day filming David Burrows, Multimedia – Kevin Bishop, Bethan Jones
Cornwall Women take on the Police
Saturday May 2nd at the Recreation Ground Falmouth, Cornwall Women take on the British Police Women in an important match ahead of their Gill Burns Cup campaign next month.
There is a full day of activities going on at the Rec with Trelawny’s Army also in attendance.
Tickets on the gate. Entry is £5, kick-off 3 pm.
Cornwall Under 20s book play-off spot
Somerset U20 v Cornwall U20
By Colin Hatch at Burnham-on-Sea RFC
On a bright sunny afternoon Cornwall U20’s took on Somerset at Burnham to decide the winners of South-west pool 2 in the 2026 Jason Leonard Cup.
It was Somerset who started the fastest scoring their first converted try after 3 minutes. Somerset went further ahead in the 14th minute with another converted try! With just over 20 minutes gone a penalty led to Somerset kicking deep into our 22, from the resulting lineout and catch and drive saw them get another converted try. Somerset 21 – 0 Cornwall!!!
Somerset had their tails up, the crowd behind them who were shouting and cheering at every Cornwall mistake, a turnover or break from their team.
Something had to change and change fast, it looked as if we were still on the coach travelling up the M5!!! Things did start to change and good work between No2 Ted Hocking (Penzance & Newlyn) saw No 18 Riley Raikes (St Austell) crash over to be converted by No 11 Oli Roberts (Camborne) to make the score Somerset 21 – 7 Cornwall.
Somerset fought back strongly and with just over 30 minutes gone a good run down the wing by their No 14 saw him score and their No 10 covert again to put the home side 28 – 7 ahead, and secure a 4 try bonus point. With half time approaching a break from N0 17 Archie Beetles (Wadebridge Camels) saw No 6 Oli Mount (Penryn) cross the line and Oli Roberts (Camborne) once again converting.
Half time Score Somerset 28 – 14 Cornwall
The halftime team talk from coaches Rich Kevern and Jack Hazelton, left no stone unturned and laid bare a few home truths!! They also left the players in no doubt what kind of reaction would be required and needed to turn this game around and cheer up the large travelling support.
It was vital we made the first score in the second half and this was duly delivered when No 11 Oli Roberts (Camborne) scored to put us within 9 points!! Cornwall now started to dominate and get the upper hand although still making the odd silly mistake that kept Somerset in the game. 20 minutes into the second half saw No 18 Riley Raikes (St Austell) cross the line for his second try and converted by No 11 Oli Roberts (Camborne).
This not only put us within 2 points of the opposition but also gave us our 4 try bonus point. This meant if the result remained the same we would still be pool winners and qualify for the quarterfinals. However, 1 point was not what anybody in the Cornwall side wanted, they needed a strong final 20 minutes, show their true potential and the ability to come back from a poor start to earn the win and establish some credibility.
Things do not always go to plan, but on this occasion 2 further tries first scored by captain No 10 Oscar Marr (Penzance & Newlyn) and secondly No 14 Bracken Headland (Newquay Hornets) both converted by Oli Roberts (Camborne) saw the score Somerset 28 – 40 Cornwall. Somerset were down but not out and with 5 minutes to go crashed over for a converted try to be behind by 5 points!!
A penalty awarded to Cornwall saw the captain immediately point to the post, his thinking 3 points gives us a 2-score advantage going into the final minutes. However, and intervention by the assistant referee saw not only the penalty reversed but a yellow card for Cornwall!! The wait for the final whistle could have been uncomfortable, but stout defence and aggressive tackling subdued any attack from Somerset. No 19 Joel Pryor (Redruth) making a decisive crunching tackle which eventually led to No 22 Tom Tanswell (Penryn) crossing the line and No 11 Oli Roberts making his 6th conversion of the afternoon making the final score; –
Somerset 35 – 47 Cornwall
Cornwall now have a home quarterfinal on Sunday 3 May against South-West pool 1 Winners Berkshire, further details to follow.
Scorers
Tries Riley Raikes (St Austell) 2, Oli Mount (Penryn) Oli Roberts (Camborne) Oscar Marr (Penzance & Newlyn, Bracken Headland (Newquay Hornets), Tom Tanswell (Penryn)
Conversions Oli Roberts (Camborne) 6
Cornwall Under 20s side named to play Somerset Under 20s
Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) Under 20 County Championship campaign 2026 continues when they play their second pool match in this seasons Jason Leonard Cup. They travel to Burnham-on-Sea RFC where they will face Somerset U20 with a 1430 kick off time.
CRFU President Andy Reed said, “Following the rearranged game and victory over Devon, it sees Cornwall on top of their pool having earn’t maximum points. It was also a pleasure to be able to present and see the “Brunel Cup” return to Cornwall for the first time since 2022. This side was relatively new to championship rugby with a lot of new players representing 10 different clubs, but they played as team throughout the 80 minutes.”.
Cornwall have named Oscar Marr (Penzance and Newlyn) as the captain for this game, alongside him is another new player this season, Jack Sherratt (Helston) who was the vice-captain and won player of the match.
Coach Rich Kevern said – “We had a good start to this season’s campaign against a very good Devon side who performed well. We need now to concentrate on what we have covered in training and put that into practice on the field v Somerset. Somerset have home advantage and will take comfort from holding us to a draw in last seasons fixture. More importantly the players realised the importance of an 80-minute performance and ensuring Devon went away with no points from the game, which could prove crucial when the pool stages end”.
Cornwall’s coaching set up this season, are well established Rich Kevern an ex U20 player and Brad Howe. Always keen to encourage young coaches into the game we see ex senior county player David Mankee assisting the backs with Rich and joining us this season Jack Hazleton assisting Brad with the forwards.
Cornwall Captain Oscar Marr said, – “We have all had time to reflect on the game against Devon and realise there are areas that we need to work and build on. We were a virtually new squad this season with 18 of the 23 players playing their first championship game and although we have trained together that was our first competitive game in this year’s championship. There are a lot of players training and no one’s shirt is guaranteed, and we must prove to the coaches we are worthy of selection including myself. I know the effort these guys have put in on Sunday mornings and if we can replicate that v Somerset, put in 100% commitment then hopefully the result will follow”.
Cornwall won their first game against Devon 46 – 15 in front of a large crowd of well over 350.
The CRFU Chair Steve Murley said, -” It was a pleasing performance in this rearranged fixture on a blustery day at Redruth RFC. Although Cornwall went behind early in the game, they showed resolve and grit to not only come back and dominate in all areas but also to earn a well-deserved 5 points and the Brunel Cup. Although 23 players took to the field, thanks must go to the others who have been training, the coaches, medics and back-room staff who all put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to enable these guys to represent Cornwall”.
There will be marketing and sponsorship opportunities with the Under 20’s team and matches, any individuals or companies that may be interested are asked to contact the CRFU in the first instance. Commercial-development@crfu.co.uk
Email – ljc80@aol.com
Mob – 07967054826
Bill Hooper
Cornwall RFU Assistant Hon Sec
13/04/2026
Devon reclaim the Tamar Cup
TAMAR CUP
DEVON 26 – 20 CORNWALL
By Bill Hooper at Brickfields
Devon regained the Tamar Cup following a pulsating match at the Brickfields that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Cornwall took the field led out by skipper Mark Vian roared on by the travelling faithful from Trelawny’s Army.
Devon kicked off with Cornwall immediately handing the advantage to the Green & Whites as they knocked the ball on.
Cornwall dealt with that initial threat as they won the turnover allowing James Tucker to clear.
Tucker kicked to the Devon twenty-two, the ensuing lineout was lost but Devon had infringed allowing Ben Hancock to take a quick tap and go, Stan Somers burst through the line brought down short Cornwall went again but were held up over the line, a let off for Devon, however the referee had been playing advantage so Cornwall had another bite of the cherry. Tucker kicked to the corner, Vian won the lineout ball and the Cornish pack drove furiously to the Devon line, but yet again they were denied being help up Devon skipper Tom McGratton under the ball.
Devon almost scored a try following a good break but Charlie Tummon got under the ball, however Devon were building pressure.
Cornwall lost a player to the bin for a deliberate knock on, from the scrum Devon moved the ball wide for Tom Davies to score an unconverted try.
Cornwall weathered another Devon attack allowing Tucker to clear. Devon messed up the lineout allowing Cornwall to make good ground as play was switched back Hancock made a good drive slipping the ball to Ollie Bebbington who danced around the Devon defence to dot down under the sticks.
The strong win hampered Tucker’s conversion attempt which ended up wide.
Devon won the ball from a lineout moving the ball wide, before the forwards took the ball up with Jamie Hext dotting down under the sticks, Mitch Pinkus with the conversion.
Cornwall looked to get back before the break but conceded a penalty that gave Devon field position. Devon won the lineout moving the ball wide before Pinkus sliced through the Cornwall defence to score and convert his own try for a 19-5 half-time lead.
Cornwall made a fast start to the second half but couldn’t breech the Devon defence, a breakout by the Green & Whites almost saw a try for Davies but Bebbington saved the Cornish.
With Pete Harris having come on at half time Cornwall began to use their bench, Olly Derry and Rohan Ewels giving the front row some energy. In the back row Hector Bright came on and was soon carrying hard.
Cornwall eventually got a break when a poor pass from Pinkus was hacked on by Tucker who collected the ball to score and convert his own try.
It was just the boost Cornwall needed, a penalty kicked by Tucker brought Cornwall even closer to Devon on the scoreboard and set up an exciting finale.
Which way would the game swing? Devon piled on the pressure and with Cornwall on a final warning a quick tap 5 meters out saw the ball moved wide with Ben Saunders breaking the line to pop a pass to Kyle Felton to score the vital try, Pinkus added the extras making it 26-15 to Devon.
Cornwall though had the final word when Bebbington went in for his second try in the corner.
The final whistle confirmed it was Devon’s Tamar Cup.
Cornwall: Ben Rosevear (Redruth), Rhys Williams (Helston), Jamie Stanlake (St. Austell), Josh Semmens (Penzance & Newlyn), Ollie Bebbington, James Tucker, George Hillson (all Launceston); Declan Prowse (Penzance & Newlyn), Rory Mead, Charlie Short (both Launceston), Tom Daniel, Mark Vian (both St. Austell), Charlie Tummon, Ben Hancock (both Launceston), Stan Somers (Penzance & Newlyn).
Replacements: Pete Harris (St. Austell), Olly Derry (Wadebridge Camels), Rohan Ewels (Redruth), Freddie Saxton (Bude), Hector Bright (St. Austell), Ed Hillman-Cooke (Bude).
Cornwall scores: Tries Bebbington (2), Tucker, Con Tucker, Pen Tucker
Cornwall man-of-the-match: James Tucker
