AS we return to the Championship schedule, the squad will be pleased to have finished the ‘mini pre-season’ phase from the last two weeks.

Having trained along side the rest of the squad, I can say first hand it was time well spent. The guys have had a big drive to increase strength, fitness and speed, while allowing important recovery time from the bumps and bruises of matches.

The remainder of the squad have been training hard in the week and pulling on the jersey for the weekends looking to progress in the British & Irish Cup. We put our cup bid back on track with a five-try victory over Plymouth.

What pleased me personally about this win was the way our academy players slotted in so well.

Joel Dudley was forced into the action much sooner than expected after an injury to Andy Williams and had a very strong game. Hopefully Andy will be well on his way to recovery and we will see him back soon.

It was good to see Dale Rasmussen crossing the whitewash a couple of times and generally having a good game. I asked him to smash someone for me and he didn’t disappoint. Alex Grove also made some class touches, showing why he will be pushing for a Scottish Six Nations spot.

I haven’t yet mentioned the others in line for international duty, with Graham Kitchener the latest to receive a call-up to the Saxons squad. Andy Short and Matt Kvesic will also be representing the Red Rose for the under 20s. I just want to say well done to these guys and hopefully there will be many more following suit.

Monday night’s Aviva ‘A’ League display against a very experienced Northampton side suggests we may indeed have a few more future internationals in our ranks. It was a hugely spirited performance and, given the opportunity again, I feel we would believe in ourselves from the start and fight to a win.

Sunday sees us return to the Championship with the biggest game of the season so far. Cornish Pirates will be confident after beating us at home earlier in the season, but we must set things straight.

The Cornishmen have stuck to the same squad for the vast majority of the campaign — even in the British & Irish Cup. We have had the luxury of rotation, however this means we cannot afford to be off the pace on Sunday, as can sometimes be the case after time off from playing.

The Pirates lost their last game against a much-improved Newport team, including ex-Warrior Mathew Jones. It is our job to sink further an already ‘deflated’ side.

Sunday also sees us back in the public eye with the key clash being televised live. I hardly have to mention the opportunity this provides us, not only in sending a message to the rest of the league, but this platform could show teams we will face next season how much we have moved on.

Sides such as Bedford and Pirates have the ability to replicate the success Exeter have achieved against Premiership opposition. A commanding win would post our intent nicely.

Lastly, I wish anyone travelling down to Cornwall a safe trip. I am sure we will do the job on the pitch. I also hope the pasties down there taste as good as I remember them!