Cornish Pirates fans have reason to celebrate as powerhouse prop Alfie Petch has committed his future to the Championship club, signing a new deal that will keep him at Mennaye Field through the 2026-27 season.

The 26-year-old Cornish native has become a cornerstone of the Pirates' pack since joining permanently last summer from Gloucester. A product of Exeter's development system, Petch first made his mark during two loan spells at the club while plying his trade in the Premiership.

His consistency this season has been remarkable—missing just two league matches while anchoring the front row. Across both his loan and permanent stints, Petch has now amassed 52 appearances for the Pirates, becoming a familiar and formidable presence in the scrum.

This signing marks the 14th player to agree fresh terms for next season, following young back Finn Love's contract extension just days earlier. The club is clearly building for continuity and success.

Joint-head coach Alan Paver didn't hold back in his praise: "He's such an important part of the scrum and the success we've had in that area of the game, but his skill level around the park is extremely underrated. He's a local lad and I know it means a great deal to him to be here and represent Cornwall."

However, it's not all good news in Cornwall. The club has confirmed that six players—Charlie Rice, Ollie Andrews, Iwan Price-Thomas, Will Rigelsford, Rory Suttor, and Ben Cambriani—will not be offered new terms at the end of the current season, making way for new talent as the Pirates continue to shape their roster for the future.