Tributes for ‘Inspirational’ Cudd after retirement decision following Wales Deaf Rugby triumph over England

After a heroic selfless 18-year career leading and inspiring others in the Deaf community to play the Sport, Cudd shed blood, sweat and tears on the pitch to end a sparkling career as Wales were victorious 21-15 over England at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday afternoon.

In a fitting finish to a remarkable season that also saw Cudd lead Wales to World Cup glory in Cordoba, Argentina two months ago. Cudd goes out on his own terms helping his beloved country regain the Broadstreet Cup in front of friends and family.

In the post-covid era, this was Wales’ first victory over the old enemy England in five years. Led by Cudd, Wales looked for revenge having been beaten 41-7 in the reverse fixture a month ago at Cambridge RUFC.

Wales got off to a flyer in the match racing into a 14-0 lead in the first quarter through scores from flanker Ryan Shallish and inside centre Ben Fulton in a sun-drenched Welsh capital. England came back into the match by scoring a penalty try off a maul following a lineup in the Welsh twenty-two as the Welsh were temporarily reduced to thirteen men following two yellow cards. 

Leading 14-13 at the break, the next score would be crucial, and it went to the home side as Shallish returned from the sin bin to help himself to his second try of the game to the delight of a vocal home crowd. England would score a late consolation to reduce the arrears, but the Welsh Dragons would roar to victory and provide their influential leader with an emotional win.

With the match over, Cudd feels the time was right to end his playing days and now wants to encourage, raise awareness and help others to get involved in Deaf Rugby.

It’s the perfect ending for me

“I’ll miss it terribly, but I feel now is the right time to retire and go out on a high. We hadn’t beaten England for so long, I thought I would have one last crack at it,” reflected Cudd.

“It is not a decision I made lightly but I’ve had it in my mind for quite a while now. The Argentina win was my last hurrah. These last games came around so quickly though I thought it was one last chance to play at the Arms Park.

“Winning at Cardiff Arms Park was the perfect ending for me. I’ll miss all the boys and the backroom staff, but at this moment in time, I’m quite comfortable with my decision.

“I don’t like a big fuss, it’s emotional for me though because it has been a huge part of my life. I have met so many amazing people through it and had so many great experiences.

“I just want them now just to push on now and do better, recruit more players and play in more World Cups. I also want the Women’s side to kick on as well. I wish them all the best.

“We’re always looking to recruit players. I want people to be aware that we exist and the requirements of playing for the Deaf Rugby side is 40-decibel loss of hearing and to have a go playing.”

A trully selfless individual 

Today Cudd’s Wales Deaf team manager and head coach led the tributes haling the forward as inspirational and one of a kind. No doubt this will be the first of many words of praise shown for the man selfless in his dedication to the sport.

“I have been involved with the WDRU as Team Manager since 2016 and during that time I have seen the development of many players. Some have gone on to be inspirational. Jonathan Cudd is one of those players,” said Wales Deaf Team Manager James Savastano.

“His qualities are not only on the field but in his everyday life as a father, solicitor and captain of Wales Deaf Rugby.

“Every good sportsman has to eventually retire, and Jonathan will truly be missed as a player. Thank you, Jon, from me and a thank you from the WDRU for your service and all the memories you have created for all involved.”

“Having spent the last two decades coaching I have come across a number of special players, but very few have possessed the same leadership and humbling human qualities that Cuddy has possessed,” enthused head coach RJ Coles.

“He has been one of my greatest pleasures to coach and I would love to see him pick up the coaching reigns in some capacity. 

“Despite finishing off a WRU Deaf playing career as a World Cup winner and Broadstreet Cup winner, my favourite moment without doubt was to see him yesterday with his three children standing proudly and belting out ‘mae hen wlad fy nhadau’. 

“I can only thank him for his service and wish him all the best for a well-deserved break from captaining the WRU Deaf.

Wales Deaf Rugby side is self-funded and made up of volunteers and a part-time playing and background team. If you would like to show support towards the Welsh Deaf Rugby team’s visit their GoFundMe page.