PLYMOUTH Albion’s director of rugby Graham Dawe is delighted New Zealand hooker James Penman has agreed to stay with the club following their relegation.
Penman joined Albion from Cambridge towards the end of last season and featured in their final three matches.
Although Dawe sees the 26-year-old as a hooker, Penman can also play prop or even in the back-row.
The Albion boss believes his versatility will be a major bonus with a small squad.
“He is an important signing for us with him being multi-positional,” said Dawe. “Although he is a hooker he has the ability to play loose-head and in the back-row.
“He also brings a bit of continuity from last season, having been involved in the last three games.”
Penman, who has stayed in the West Country since playing in the final few matches of the 2014/15 campaign, said: “I had a good opportunity at the end of last season to play some Championship games and I really enjoyed my short time in Plymouth.
“Graham Dawe has been very supportive and he is one of the main reasons why I have signed for next season.
“With Graham being an international hooker he will hopefully pass a lot of his knowledge onto me.
“It looks like Plymouth will have a competitive squad next season and hopefully we can go straight back up to the Championship.”