The Cornish Pirates have continued their close season recruitment drive with the announcement that locks James Sandford and Will Graulich have signed for the Penzance-based Championship club, writes Dick Straughan.
Sandford, 24, has joined from Premiership side London Irish having previously played for Ulster and Rotherham Titans. Born in Richill, County Armagh, he represented Ireland at Under-20 level before signing for Andre Bester's Titans in 2010.
After a season in Yorkshire he moved south to the Madejski Stadium where he forged a good reputation as a strong ball carrier and talented lineout practitioner.
Twenty-year old Graulich has also joined the Cornish side from the Premiership having been on the books of Gloucester since he was a schoolboy.
A former England Under-16 captain Worcester-born Graulich has also spent time playing in the National Leagues with Hartpury College and Cinderford. Also a former captain of Gloucestershire up to Under-18 level he has impressed during his appearances for the senior Gloucester side in the LV= Cup and also against Fiji.
Sandford, 24, has joined from Premiership side London Irish having previously played for Ulster and Rotherham Titans. Born in Richill, County Armagh, he represented Ireland at Under-20 level before signing for Andre Bester's Titans in 2010.
After a season in Yorkshire he moved south to the Madejski Stadium where he forged a good reputation as a strong ball carrier and talented lineout practitioner.
Twenty-year old Graulich has also joined the Cornish side from the Premiership having been on the books of Gloucester since he was a schoolboy.
A former England Under-16 captain Worcester-born Graulich has also spent time playing in the National Leagues with Hartpury College and Cinderford. Also a former captain of Gloucestershire up to Under-18 level he has impressed during his appearances for the senior Gloucester side in the LV= Cup and also against Fiji.
