Pirates Captain Stevens Returns After 16 Months Out

Cornish Pirates captain John Stevens has rejoined full training sessions, an encouraging development 16 months after sustaining a serious knee injury. The 31-year-old back-row player suffered the debilitating injury during the team's opening match of the 2024 season, a victory against Nottingham on September 20, 2024. His knee sustained damage to both anterior and cruciate ligaments, necessitating surgery.

Since the injury, Stevens, who has been with the club since 2013, has been dedicated to his rehabilitation. Joint-head coach Alan Paver commented on Stevens' impressive recovery, noting his strength and power. Paver emphasized the need for careful management as Stevens reintegrates, acknowledging the long layoff of a season and a half, but expressed confidence in his readiness to compete once he regains match fitness.