Mike Cudmore vows to stick with Ealing Trailfinders attacking philosophy
Now about to make the step up to the Championship, their fifth promotion in 11 years, director of rugby Mike Cudmore hopes that entertaining style of rugby will help them establish themselves in the second tier in the same fashion as Bedford.
He told The Rugby Paper: “We're not going to change our style because we're in the Championship. Our squad suits that style and I wouldn't want to coach ten-man rugby.
“As long as the players deliver the results will take care of themselves. The art of that league is to get any away points you can while making your home ground a fortress.
“We want to become a regular in the Championship and emulate a club like Bedford which is a great role model with their style of play and young players system.”
After finishing second to Jersey last year in their first season in National One, the Trailfinders identified where they had to improve to gain promotion.
Steve Pape (London Scottish) and Sam Shires (Tynedale) brought a new dimension to the pack with their ball carrying and Cudmore has signed a few more experienced heads.
He added: “Steve and Sam have been outstanding – they have helped us kick into touch our reputation of being able to play only on dry pitches.
“We have signed Wasps scrum-half Stuart Commins, who played in the 2011 Heineken Cup final with Northampton, former Exeter and Newcastle back Tom Bedford, and lock Dan Collier who was at Plymouth Albion.
“We will also have four or five dual registered youngsters from Harlequins and maybe one from Wasps. These guys' experience of the highest level will be key for us, but our budget will ultimately tell us where what we can achieve.”
Chairman Mike Stiff is confident finances will not be a problem. He said: “Thanks to the backing of Mike Goolley, owner of Trailfinders, our budget will double next season. It will be below most of the other clubs but I'm sure our success on the pitch will help us survive and develop further in the future.”
NICK VERDIER
