Redruth have decided against pursuing a deal for former Cornish Pirates hooker Vili Ma'asi.
Ma'asi was one of 12 players released by Championship winners London Welsh over the summer.
The 36-year-old previously worked with Redruth head coach Adrian Edwards when both men were at Cornish Pirates.
Ma'asi arrived in Cornwall during the 2000-01 season and helped Pirates earn promotion to National League One the following year. He also scored the club's only try in their EDF Energy Cup final victory at Twickenham when they beat Exeter Chiefs in 2006-07.
Edwards said: "He was the right player but just not the right occasion. It is a real shame because I think he would have made an impact.
"He was keen to come but we just thought in the best long-term interests of the club, we would keep the squad that we have got.
"We have got the boys that were loyal from last year and a few more local players in. We want to stick with that and see how we go."
Redruth had hoped Ma'asi's profile would benefit the club off the field in a community role.
Edwards said: "I spent a lot of time with Vili and I think he would have been an asset to the club – not just in terms of playing on the pitch.
"I've got a lot of time for Vili and I just wish him all the best wherever he goes now."
The Cornish club are seeking an additional fly-half to replace the departing Brett Rule. Redruth will look to recruit a local player or use a current member of their squad.
Edwards said: "Brett is going to play in Spain but we still have Paul Thirlby.
"Craig Bonds played at fly-half for a number of years and we are looking at other options as well. Nothing is decided yet.
"That is probably our one area where we need to strengthen."
Redruth's pre-season training has been going well in recent weeks. They hope to play their first pre-season friendly next month ahead of the new League One season, starting September 1 against Taunton.
"We're going along pretty steadily and we are exactly where we wanted to be," said Edwards.
