THE Cornish All Blacks’ squad has been further boosted with the signings of inside-centre Danz Faamatuainu and full-back Ben Hawke.

Danz, who plays inside centre, is originally from New Zealand but has been in the UK for almost a year.

Last season he played for Bracknell, who are also in National Three South West, before coming down to Cornwall.

In recent weeks Danz approached the coaching team at Launceston to see if he could come down and try out for the squad.

He said: "I’m looking forward to Saturday and the first league game. I’ve been off for four months after rehab surgery so it will be good to get back on the pitch."

Danz said he has received a good welcome from the team and is enjoying getting to know the local area.

He added: "It’s been good. I heard about the club before I approached them. My older brother used to play for Bath. He told me it was a good club. so I can’t wait to get started."

While Faamatuainu has come from the other side of the world, Hawke’s links are much closer to home.

The 25-year-old farmer is a familiar face to many supporters, playing in all age groups up to Colts level, but he has been dogged by a number of shoulder injuries since, meaning almost five years ago.

Ben said: "I’ve wanted to come back into rugby for a while. Launceston was the obvious club. It’s been such a long time. It will be good to get stuck back into it.

"It feels like a new era down here, in a very good way, it’s very positive.

“It’s good to be part of it. We just need the results now. It’s good to be back and I’m keen to be involved and give it a fresh start."

Director of rugby, Jimmy Tucker was understandably delighted with his latest acquisitions, ahead of their home clash with Bristol-based Dings Crusaders on Saturday.

He said: With Danz it’s great to have something different. He’ll offer us that Kiwi abrasiveness which we sometimes lack and get us on the front foot to go and get at teams.

“I’m also delighted to get Ben back playing. He’s hasn’t played much rugby for five years because of his shoulders but it’s great that he’s decided to come and back to play and test them out and I’m sure that he’ll do really well for us too.”

This Saturday is also the club’s fun day, while the second team are also in action against their Dings counterparts.

Jimmy was pleased with the pre-season and is keen to get up and running.

He said: “Saturday’s going to be a really good test for us and that’s what we want.

“The group are really young and keen to get better and represent the club and that’s a great thing for us moving forward.”