Cornish Pirates have announced the signings of hooker Dylan Neill and former Ealing Trailfinders back Dan O’Brien.

Cornish Pirates have announced the signings of hooker Dylan Neill and former Ealing Trailfinders back Dan O’Brien.

Young front rower Neill joined the club several weeks ago and has impressed to earn a contract with the club for the rest of the season.

Joining from Heriots in Scotland, Neill has represented Scotland Under 19’s, while also being eligible for South Africa and Ireland.

Joint Head Coach, Gavin Cattle, was impressed with the young hooker during his trial at the club, and said: “Dylan impressed us during a two week trial. He’s hungry, coachable, and has a lot of potential. We’re pleased to have him with us for the rest of the season as he adds depth at hooker and we look forward to supporting his development.”

Versatile and experienced Australian back O'Brien meanwhile can play across the back three and in the centre, as a welcomed boost to the Pirates ahead of the next block, as he joins until the end of the season.

O’Brien returns to the UK after a spell in the Shute Shield with hometown club Randwick and bring Champ Rugby winning experience to Cornwall, having won the league with Ealing Trailfinders in the 2024-25 season.

Cattle added: “We’ve been talking to Dan for past few months, and we’re pleased to be welcoming him to the squad. He’s proven at Championship level, versatile across the back three and centre, and most importantly a man of good character. He’ll be a real asset to us this season.”

O’Brien will join up with the Cornish Pirates squad next Monday and will be available for selection with immediate effect and added: “I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the club and be back in a full-time program. There’s a real buzz in Cornwall at the moment and I can’t wait to experience it and contribute to it.”

It comes as the Pirates have also issued an injury update on some of their players

Steele Barker ruptured ankle ligaments 4 weeks ago he has been rehabbing hard. He has just undergone isokinetic testing to determine the next stage of his rehabilitation , there is a good chance we could see Steele back on the pitch by the end of November

Chester Ribbons is recovering well from concussion should be back and available for next match.

Angus Mawson is going through the return protocol for concussion should be back and available for the next match.

Milo Hallam was also concussed and is another returnee for the next match.

James French has been working incredibly hard to regain fitness after his ACL reconstruction. He is back up and running and had really encouraging isokinetic results today. He will up his load as a result of his testing and should be back in training in the new year.

The Pirates have a week off from Champ Rugby before returning to action away to Rotherham next Sunday