"Pirates were formed on a whim in January 2006. Missing the fun of playing social rugby with mates, Hay decided it was time to get some mates together for a bit of sevens, and so the Pirates were born. Entered into the Lytchett Minster sevens, they went on to win their inaugural tournament, scoring over 300 points and conceding fewer than 25. An emphatic debut! Pirates players are all invited - you can't apply to become a p Pirate - and are all invited because their rugby is excellent and they're fun to socialise and play rugby with. To be a pirate therefore is a huge honour open to few."

That's the original Pirate philosophy and while it's three years, ten tournaments, 58 matches, 51 wins, 7 losses, 0 draws and 6 trophies since that statement was written, Pirate philosophy remains pretty constant. To be a Pirate you have to play great rugby and know how to have a great time. Plenty of people can have a great time, a few can play great rugby, but very few can ever become a Pirate.

In 2008 Pirates began to take their rugby a little more seriously, the main aim previously having been to play rugby at all costs, setting up a purely social side with the emphasis more on the good times (good rugby being a by-product) called Buccanneers, and went international. The fact that the Amsterdam tournament is a big 'un didn't stop Pirates from enjoying the charms of the Red Light district - from arm's length!

Inaugural Pirates:

Hayley Kemp (c), Beth Mills, Polly Thomson, Vicki Dibdin, Nikki Buckingham, Sara Company, Jasmin Stephenson, Jen Rushworth, Emma Edwards, Kellly Davies, Matt Kemp (coach/manager).