Sedgley Park have experienced the cut-throat world of semi-professional rugby by losing one of their top try scorers for next season.

Left-winger Richard Welding, who joined the Park Lane outfit from Lancashire rivals Orrell, has agreed a full-time professional contract with National One rivals, Penzance and Newlyn.

"The only reason I am moving is so I can go full-time,"said Welding: "Sedgley made me a very good offer but it came down to staying semi-pro or going full-time. I'm 24 and chances like this don't come along every day."

Tigers' coach, Tim Fourie said: "Obviously we are very disappointed at losing him but he has been offered a two-year full-time contract by a team that have big plans and so I understand his reason and we wish him all the best."

Welding currently has 10 tries to his name, just two behind Jon Feeley.

P&N, backed by millionaire owner Dickie Evans, intend to change their name to The Cornish Pirates' and relocate temporarily to Truro, before constructing a new stadium in mid-Cornwall, where they intend to be the dominant rugby force in the county, playing in the Premiership.