“Ambitious” – Five marquee signings Nick Knowles could make at his rugby club

With fresh investment from the United States and plans for a documentary series highlighting the importance of rugby in Cornwall, there is a clear sense that the Pirates have bigger ambitions than simply competing in the second tier.

That could also be reflected in their recruitment, with the club potentially able to attract players who would previously have been out of reach.

From realistic Champ signings to some more ambitious names, here are five players the Cornish Pirates could target as they look to make their mark in their new era.

The obvious marquee signing Pirates could make would be bringing proudly Cornish winger Jack Nowell back home. The 33-year-old remains at the top of his game with La Rochelle, but could potentially be tempted by a return to his home county.

The former England international, who is now ineligible for selection due to playing in France, won two Six Nations titles with England, as well as two Premiership titles and a Champions Cup with Exeter Chiefs.

If Nowell wanted to spend the latter stages of his career where it all began, Pirates could be an ideal destination. He could bring his career full circle by returning to the club where he started his rugby journey as part of the Pirates' youth setup.

Perhaps the most ambitious, and some would argue unrealistic, option on this list, Billy Searle enjoyed an excellent season with Leicester Tigers and has established himself as one of the finest fly-halves in England on current form.

He appears likely to remain in Leicester for the time being after a journeyman career, but the 30-year-old is originally from Exeter and has previously represented Cornwall.

Given that he is still in his prime, a move to Pirates is unlikely in the near future. However, it could become an attractive option further down the line if Searle wants to reconnect with his roots as his career begins to wind down.

Signing him would require a significant financial outlay, making the move unrealistic for Pirates at this stage.

A realistic option for both geographical and rugby reasons, WillGriff John was born in Plymouth and, at 33, appears to be approaching the latter stages of his career.

The prop made just seven appearances for Sale Sharks last season, but has accumulated plenty of experience throughout his career. That includes three appearances for Wales during the 2025 Six Nations.

After suffering an injury last year, a move back to the south-west could offer John an opportunity to finish his career close to where he was born, even though he was actually raised in the Rhondda Valley in Wales.

There are no obvious south-west links for Irish winger Rob Russell, but the former Gloucester man could still prove to be an astute signing as he looks to rebuild his career.

The 27-year-old's move away from Leinster to Kingsholm could hardly have gone worse, with Russell released from his contract this summer and yet to find another club.

His ability is arguably above Championship level, but he may need a platform where he can rediscover his form and establish himself before attempting to return to the top division.

The alternative would be a return to his native Ireland, but Pirates could provide him with an opportunity to get his career back on track.

Another player recently released by a PREM Rugby club, Elliott Obatoyinbo has gained plenty of experience with Newcastle Red Bulls but has never quite managed to establish himself as a regular at the top level.

The winger showed flashes of quality during his time at Kingston Park, but there was ultimately not enough consistency to convince the Red Bulls to retain him following their investment.

A move to the Championship could give Obatoyinbo the opportunity to play a more prominent role and rebuild his confidence.

For Pirates, meanwhile, it would mean adding a player with considerable experience at the level above. Obatoyinbo could become a key figure in a potentially successful side while giving himself a platform to work his way back into PREM Rugby.