This year will be very exciting year for Cornish rugby. With a history steeped in tradition, rugby in Cornwall has always been an important part of the local culture and community. And 2007 could well be the year that the county makes its biggest impression on the national stage.

One reason for this would be the emergence of Cornwall’s premier side, Cornish Pirates as real promotion contenders from National Division One and a place in the top league of English rugby for the first time in the club’s history.

The Pirates currently lie second in Division One, eight points off the top of the table, and head coach Jim McKay believes raising the profile of Cornish rugby is important to aid his own club’s progression. “I’m trying to get a mixture between focusing on the league and putting together a good Cup run which would be good for raising the profile of Cornish rugby as a whole and of the Cornish Pirates,” he says.

Another reason for optimism is the quality of the youngsters coming through Cornish rugby ranks. The Pirates boast a number of excellent prospects within their academy and first team, including England under-16, 18 and 19 players such as Owen Hambly, Scott Hobson and Gareth Tedstone.

Cornish rugby is having a big effect on the international scene as well, with proud Cornishman Phil Vickery having taken over as captain of England. Hailing from Bude, Vickery has an MBE and a World Cup winner’s medal to his name. And he is not the only Cornishman to make the international grade, with players such as Tom Voyce, Trevor Woodman and Olly Barkley all making the step up from club to international level.

So with the future looking extremely bright for rugby in Cornwall, 2007 really could be the year when the breakthrough comes - and the Cornish Pirates make their mark on the world of rugby.