Three Cornish Pirates players to leave at end of the season

Auckland-born prop Marlen Walker, set to celebrate his 36th birthday at the end of this month, will retire at the end of this campaign.

Walker made 184 appearances for the Cornish Pirates having joined the team back in January 2015 on a short-term contract from Weston-Super-Mare.

He made his club debut against Bristol a month later.

Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Alan Paver said: "Marlen is a great man who has been amazing for us both on and off the field.

"Throughout, his commitment has been exceptional, and the way he conducts himself so admirable.

"We will sorely miss Marlen, and whatever the future holds we wish him and his family all the very best."

Walker is expected to be involved in a coaching role outside of the county.

The Pirates also revealed that prop forward Jack Andrew is stepping away from full-time rugby.

Aged 33, Andrew arrived at Mennaye Field in 2013 after a stint with Plymouth Albion, Exeter Chiefs and Cornish All Blacks.

Andrew presently boasts 236 appearances for the club.

Mr Paver said: "For Jack to get to 10 years plus has been incredible.

"He has been a big character both on and off the field.

"To make 236 appearances for the Pirates is also a tremendous achievement.

"I am very proud that he stuck in there and developed into one of the finest prop forwards in the Championship, which is a real accolade."

Andrew plans to work in the construction industry following his retirement.

In addition, full-back and wing Kyle Moyle, aged 31, will be retiring from full-time professional rugby at the end of the season to also work locally in the construction industry.

Moyle, who debuted for Cornish Pirates in a British & Irish Cup win away to Swansea back in December 2012, impressed with his ability to score super tries, leading to him signing a full-time contract with Gloucester Rugby in January 2021.

He returned to the Cornish Pirates for the 2023/24 season, increasing his total number of club appearances to 149.

Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Gavin Cattle said: "Kyle proved himself a fantastic player, who deservedly earned his chance to play for Gloucester in the Premiership before making a welcome return to his hometown club.

"Possessing a good skill set and a sound kicking game, it is Kyle’s ability to beat a man one on one that has stood out.

"We all now wish him and his family all the very best for the future."