Cudmore to leave ETRFC after 12 years

Ealing Trailfinders director of rugby and general manager Mike Cudmore is to leave the club when his contract ends on 31 May.

Cudmore has been with the club for 12 years and has guided them from London 3 North to the Greene King IPA Championship, where they are making their debut this current season.

“I have had 12 great years at the club and have been privileged to work with some great people both on and off the pitch,” Cudmore said. “I am proud of my achievements and always said that the day I leave this club I wanted to leave a legacy from which the club can grow.

“We have gone from London 3 North to the Championship in the senior team and have an Academy structure that continues to grow and develop. The Minis, Youth and the Senior Amateurs are all flourishing and off the pitch our Community Programme and Commercial team are delivering best practice.

“I would like to thank my family; my wife Stephanie and children Louise, Craig and Tom for all their tireless support and help over the years, without which any of what I have achieved would not have been possible.”

Mike Cudmore v LWelsh

Cudmore joined the club from London Irish and began his tenure at in a part-time role, but after a few months with the club he became full-time head coach and eventually director of rugby and general manager, which allowed him a say in all areas of the club.

His major success was becoming the first director of rugby to take a club from tier seven to tier two, while garnering plaudits for the open, attacking rugby that he encouraged his teams to play.

“The Executive and the membership would like to wish him every success in his future career,” Chairman Mike Stiff said.

“Twelve years is a very long time as a director of rugby in our sport, especially as his role perhaps uniquely incorporates general manager. He will be a difficult act to follow.”