Latest news with #Petch
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Cornish Pirates agree deal for Gloucester prop Petch
Cornish Pirates have agreed a deal to sign prop Alfie Petch from Gloucester on a permanent basis for the 2025-26 season. The 25-year-old played three times for the Championship side on loan earlier this season. The former England Under-20s player is in his second spell at the Mennaye, having played 23 times in the 2021-22 season while on loan from Exeter. Since leaving the Devon club in 2022, he has had season-long deals at Northampton, Biarritz and Gloucester. Petch played eight times for the Cherry and Whites this season, featuring in six of their seven Premiership Rugby Cup matches and also facing Vannes and Bayonne in the European Challenge Cup. "It's cracking news that Alfie has signed for us," said Cornish Pirates joint head coach Alan Paver. "He went away and has done some really good stuff playing in the Premiership either side of a spell in France. "Although still a young man he has acquired considerable experience, and I am sure that someone of his calibre will be beneficial to help bring on the forwards here." Cornwall-born Petch played 16 Premiership games and three Champions Cup games for Northampton in the 2022-23 season before a stint in France's second tier. "Cornwall is my home, so I'm delighted to be back," he said. "I've loved representing this club before and I'm looking forward to doing it again and bringing my experience to the group." Cornish Pirates
New Straits Times
05-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Moody's Ratings: Malaysia set to outperform peers despite global headwinds
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's economy is expected to remain resilient and outperform its A-rated peers despite mounting global uncertainties driven by trade tensions, said Moody's Ratings. Its vice-president and senior credit officer Martin Petch said that while global growth is likely to slow, Malaysia's diversified economy, competitive edge, and policy credibility will help cushion the impact. "We are in a situation where there is a great deal of uncertainty. The major impact we are seeing is a step down in investment and consumer demand, along with increased volatility in financial markets," he told Bernama in an interview recently. However, Malaysia stands to benefit from shifts in foreign direct investment as companies adjust to new global trade patterns. "Potentially, Malaysia is one of the economies that could attract more investment, given its relatively low tariff rates compared to other countries in the region," he said. Despite high debt levels and a narrow tax base limiting fiscal flexibility, Petch noted that Malaysia's inflation has remained contained, allowing room for monetary easing if necessary. "Malaysia's inflation performance has been very good. Inflation is back around two per cent, so there is scope for Bank Negara Malaysia to ease policy to support growth," he said. Petch noted that political stability over the past few years has also strengthened investor confidence, but cautioned that any return to volatility could hurt investment flows and domestic demand. Commenting on the recent move by the US to impose tariffs on Malaysian solar panels, Petch said the immediate impact is likely to be sector-specific. "If Malaysia has comparative advantages, there is scope for market switching to mitigate the impact," he said. Overall, Moody's expects Malaysia's growth to remain relatively strong compared to its peers, although global trade tensions could weigh on the broader outlook. "Malaysia stands out based on economic strength. The country's diversified economy and resilience will help it navigate the challenges ahead," Petch added. – BERNAMA
