The last few years of his time at the Welsh region may have been blighted by injury, but that didn’t stop him from making a positive contribution off the field. While he has every reason to feel proud of what he achieved over eight seasons at the Dragons, perhaps his greatest legacy will be the mentoring work he did with three of the regions’ rising back row stars.
During his latest fightback from knee re-construction he was asked by the then head coach Bernard Jackman to act as a mentor to Aaron Wainwright, Taine Basham and Lennon Greggains. Wainwright has gone on to play regularly for Wales, Basham is on the verge and Greggains is back after his own knee problems.
In the end, the rise of his three star pupils probably brought an end to his own career at Rodney Parade. Having returned to match fitness just before lockdown, and completed one game for Ebbw Vale, he was told this month he was being released after 130 appearances.
“When Bernard came in as coach I damaged my right knee and was out of action. He gave me the job of mentoring some of our younger back row players,” said Cudd.
“He asked me to take a look at Aaron, Taine and Lennon. I watched their matches, studied them on video and looked at them in training.
“They were all exceptional talents and I hope that I might have been able to give them a little bit of help along the way. What has happened is that the back row has become the most competitive area in the Dragons squad.
“Aaron went on to play for Wales at the World Cup in Japan last year, while Taine had a brilliant first senior season and got into the Welsh squad. I see Aaron as a No 6, along with Lennon, but I reckon Taine is going to develop into an outstanding No 7.
“His biggest challenge now will be building on last season. Teams will have plenty of video of him in action next season, will do their analysis on him and will be well aware of what he can do.
“He is a great ball carrier, good defensively and just needs to hone his contact skills at the breakdown to compete the package.”
Having grown up with two of the greatest Welsh back row forwards of all-time, Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric, Cudd certainly knows what is required to make it at the highest grade. He was first choice at No 7 alongside Warburton, at No 8, for Wales at U19 and U20 levels.
Josh Turnbull often completed the back row trio, while Tipuric came into the reckoning as well at U20 level. Because of those two he probably missed out on senior Welsh honours, but he isn’t ready to hang up his boots just yet.
Now 31 he is actively pursuing a new club and wants to continue as a full-time professional if possible.
“I’ll look at any offers I might get and I wouldn’t mind playing in France if that was an option. I’ve got a young family to consider, with another child on the way, but I still think I’ve got something to offer,” he said.
“If nothing comes along then I’ve got a degree in accountancy and finance to fall back on and I’ve been coaching one of my local clubs, Tumble, for the past few years. I’ve really enjoyed that and I certainly intend staying involved in the game.”
