Cinderford RFC have signed highly-rated, tight head prop, James Tideswell from Championship club Yorkshire Carnegie. It is a significant addition and a strong statement of intent by the Forest club currently preparing for their National Two South campaign.
Tideswell, 32, brings a wealth of professional experience to Dockham Road. With over 20 Aviva Premiership appearances to his name, he will be an integral part of a talented Cinderford forward pack. The dynamic prop began his rugby career at Hartpury College and was under the watchful eye of Andrew Stanley, the current Cinderford Coaching Consultant. After playing spells at Stourbridge and Plymouth Albion, he made the step up to Premiership Rugby in 2010 and joined London Irish. He made 8 appearances for the Premiership club, featuring against Northampton, Harlequins and Sale. James then moved to London Welsh in 2013 and played in the same side as current Head Coach, Adam Balding. After 12 Premiership appearances for the Welsh Exiles, his services were secured by Yorkshire Carnegie and over the past two seasons, the no-nonsense tight head made over 30 appearances for the leeds-based club. James started in both Carnegie’s Championship play off semi-finals against eventual runners-up, Doncaster Knights.
Paul Morris, Cinderford Director of Rugby, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome James to Cinderford. He is a major signing for us, his playing record speaks for itself and we are excited about the many qualities that he will bring to the club. James has trained with us over the last few weeks and I’m really pleased that we had the opportunity to sell our ambition, playing squad and coaching team to him. He has been honest with us since we first made contact, shown great maturity during negotiations and we are delighted that he chose Cinderford as his next step.”
“We have already seen James’ ability, professional edge and technical know-how during training. It is also very encouraging to see how other players are reacting so positively to his presence. With newly-appointed Captain, George Porter, the exciting return of Joe Smart to the club and Chris Bundy from injury, we are excited about our strength in depth in this area,” Morris added.
“Our Management board have been fully supportive of our journey so far and have been an essential part of helping us secure some key signings. We are all looking forward to the challenge ahead of us and can’t wait for the season to begin.”