Fiery Fusion

A true taste of Cornwall’s tenacity has emerged from an unexpected yet fitting collaboration between two of the county’s fiercest forces – rugby and spice. 

The Cornish Pirates and Cornish Chillies have joined hands to create Red Hot Chilli Pirates, a sauce that embodies the fire, strength, and passion both brands pour into their craft.

This spirited partnership was sparked by a chance meeting at the famous Halzephron Inn between Cornish Chillies Director Rob Popham and Cornish Pirates’ Centre Harry Yates. A shared love for rugby and spice set the idea in motion, with Yates’ enthusiasm for bold flavours planting the seed for what would become a truly collaborative endeavour. Rob and Harry’s initial discussion led them to Ross Hancock, Head of Media at the Pirates, whose creative vision helped shape the sauce’s identity. From there, it became a full team effort, with Sally Pettipher, Scott and Sue Hall and Sprout Hub all playing vital roles in bringing Red Hot Chilli Pirates to life.

The sauce itself is a tempest of flavour, expertly blending Scotch Bonnets and Red Habaneros with the bright sweetness of mango, all underpinned by Cornwall’s own Crusty Juggler Black Spiced Rum. Scott Hall, who co-founded Cornish Chillies with his wife Sue, describes it as the perfect embodiment of the Pirates’ fearless spirit – a balance of heat, zest, and deep smokiness, designed for those who like their food to have as much bite as their rugby.

Cornish Pirates CEO Sally Pettipher is among its early devotees, praising the partnership as a fusion of two truly fierce Cornish brands. “Pirates’ fire on the pitch will be stoked by Red Hot Chilli Pirates fire on the plate,” she says, urging supporters to bring the same passion into their kitchens.

This collaboration has been months in the making, with the teams at Cornish Pirates, Cornish Chillies and Sauce Shed Ltd working closely to perfect the recipe. Bringing the project to life is Sprout Hub, the creative force behind Cornish Chillies’ new website and e-commerce platform, ensuring this fiery creation reaches spice lovers near and far.

Now available for preorder via the Cornish Chillies and Cornish Pirates websites, Red Hot Chilli Pirates is a true celebration of Cornwall’s indomitable spirit – bold, uncompromising, and impossible to ignore. 

CORNISH CHILLIES
www.cornishchillies.com
www.cornishpirates.com