The Cornwall County Cup final between St Austell and Truro has been held over until the start of next season.

It will now be played on Saturday August 26 at Truro’s St Clement’s Hill ground.

St Austell chair Paul Hayes said: “Despite the best efforts of the CRFU, it has proved impossible to shoehorn the Cornwall County Cup final between St Austell and Truro into the month of May. 

“Both clubs enjoyed extended cup runs to reach the semi-finals in their respective Papa Johns Community Cup competitions. This meant prolonging the season beyond the traditional end date of April 30 with Truro winning the outstanding semi-final against Wadebridge Camels on Saturday May 6.

“With both the Cornwall Men and Women teams involved in the County Championship throughout May it meant a weekend fixture was not possible as all members of the CRFU Management Board would be tied up supporting the County sides. 

“Potential dates of Wednesday 17th May and Tuesday 16th were ruled out as Truro were unable to play midweek due to player work commitments. Friday 19th May was ruled out due to a stag weekend involving several St Austell RFC players.

“Several attempts were made to ‘square the circle’ but the prospect of dragging the season out into June started to increase concerns around player welfare. 

“The CRFU took the decision to shift the game into the 2023-24 preseason schedule, the final will now take place on Saturday 26th August. 

“A draw was made to decide which club will host the showpiece for the community game in Cornwall and given that the Saints, Sinners and Spartans were drawn away in every round of the cup competitions so far, it will be no surprise that it will be at St Clement’s Hill, Truro.”

Hayes added: “We had hoped to commemorate the end of the Kyle Marriott/ Miles Davey era with a cup final, but with the final delayed until to August that is not to be. 

“Instead we will celebrate at the Senior Awards Night on Friday May 26, it is sure to be a party to remember.”