Bolstering their front-row options the Cornish Pirates can confirm the signing of Kiwi prop Marlen Walker. A prop forward, he joins from Weston-super-Mare on a short term contract.

Now aged 26, Marlen represented New Zealand Secondary Schools, playing in the same side as 'All Blacks' Zac Guildford and Sam Whitelock, and he has also been a member of the Auckland Blues and Western Force Academies.

"The prop forward resources have again taken a hit," said Cornish Pirates' Director of Rugby Ian Davies

"Marlen has ambitions to play at this level or above so this short term contract works for both him and us. From what we have seen Marlen is very dynamic with ball in hand and should bolster our forward ball carriers."