PLYMOUTH Albion are giving a trial to Irish student international lock Robin Copeland.

The 22-year-old, who has been playing club rugby for St Mary's College in Ireland, has come over to Plymouth for a week.

He has joined the squad for the start of pre-season training and will play for Albion's development team — the Devonport Warriors — in a match against a British Armed Forces XV in a special challenge match on Tuesday at Brickfields.

"Robin has come over to play on Tuesday so that we can have a look at him," said Albion's chairman of rugby Graham Dawe.

"He came a few days early so has been joining in training."

Copeland, who played for Irish Colleges' against England Students last year, is keen to following in the path of Ruairi Cushion and Tom Hayes and try his luck in English rugby's second tier with Albion.

"I got the chance to come over here and I grabbed it," said the young forward, who had a spell in Leinster's Academy.

"I'm going to play on Tuesday, but I won't be nervous.

"I never get nervous before games or trials.

"If I don't make it, I don't make it.

"But I would like to stay here.

"I have had a look around the city and it is beautiful.

"And all the guys at the club seem cool.

"The ground is nice as well and, like I said, I would like to stay if I can.

"I am going back home on Wednesday after the game, but hopefully I may get the chance to come back."

Albion's first-choice locks Tyler Hotson and Tom Skelding have signed new contracts at the club, but Plymouth are looking for a replacement for the injured Mike Lewis.