After 4 seasons as captain of Cinderford RFC George Porter is to relinquish the role ahead of the 2020-21 season.
During his 4 years as captain Porter was instrumental in leading the club back to National One, as National Two South champions, at the end of the 2017-18 season. 31 year old Porter left Championship club Ealing Trailfinders at the end of the 2015-16 season to join Cinderford and has been captain of the Foresters ever since. Porter, Gloucester born and bred, played all of his junior rugby at Matson RFC where his father Gary played and younger brother Tom has just become club captain. He progressed into the Matson 1st XV as a teenager before joining Lydney RFC. He subsequently played for Plymouth Albion and then Worcester Warriors before joining Ealing Trailfinders. Porter has now played 100 games for Cinderford. 97 of these have been as captain. He has scored 13 tries too.
Cinderford RFC Director of Rugby Paul Morris recognised the impact Porter has made on the club. “George is as good a signing Cinderford have ever made. We signed him when we’d just been relegated from National One at the end of the 2015-16 season. We made him captain straight away and he has been vital in the development of our team and it’s culture. We would not be where we are now without him. In a club that has limited resources compared to some others, in the competition we play in, we have to be as resilient as we can be. George’s drive and competitiveness allied to his ability, personality and character has never left anybody in doubt as to who our captain is. He has nothing left to prove as our leader and now is the time for him to concentrate on playing. Together with Joe Smart we are fortunate to have two of the very best loose heads outside of the Championship. There is a lot of rugby left in George and he will still be an important player for the club and the new captain who will be announced in due course.”
Porter stated “It’s been a privilege to be captain of such a great club. The players and supporters mean a lot to me. I am looking forward to concentrating on my game and supporting the new leadership team within the playing group. Whenever the 2020-21 season starts Cinderford will be ready.”