The Cornish Pirates have today announced the make-up of their new seven-man management board who will head a group of 70 shareholders at the Greene King Championship club.
A statement issued by the club this morning said:
"As announced by Dicky Evans on the Cornish Pirates website, the sale of Cornish Pirates has taken place to over 70 new shareholders.
Dicky Evans, who has owned the Pirates for 20 years, announced his intention to sell the Club last year, which was reiterated at an open meeting in January this year.
A new seven strong management board has been formed to undertake the responsibilities for the running of the Cornish Pirates on behalf of the shareholders. The board has a wealth of business experience from a number of fields and comprises Chairman of the Board, Ian Connell, Vice Chairman Richard Cockram, Martin Hudson, Graham Stone, Rod Lyon, Colin Hill and Les Eastlake.
Speaking on behalf of the new Cornish Pirates board, Ian Connell said: "Cornish Pirates are hugely indebted to Dicky Evans not only for his considerable financial commitment over the past 20 years but also for the forthright leadership that he has provided.
It has been a very successful era that leaves the Pirates within the top 24 professional rugby teams within England. The new Board are fully aware of the responsibility of carrying forward this wonderful legacy into an equally successful future."
Dicky Evans said: "Selling the business to the new shareholder group provides an opportunity for local people to be part owners of the Pirates and to help take this great rugby club to even greater heights.
"I wish everyone good wishes for the future, asking everyone to renew their support and enthusiasm for the Pirates and to come out in greater numbers to support Ian Davies and his exciting squad."
The players are now into pre season training with the first friendly game at The Mennaye on Saturday August 16 against Rosslyn Park.
The first Championship league game will be a home fixture against Leeds Carnegie on Sunday September 7, we hope to see you there."
* Meanwhile, the Pirates have also confirmed the dates of three home Saturday fixtures for 2014-15:
December 6: Doncaster Knights (B&I Cup)
January 3: Jersey (Championship)
April 18: Worcester Warriors (Championship)
