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Jamie Cudmore will be playing his rugby in France next year. Previously linked with Aviva Premiership club Gloucester and Welsh regional side Scarlets, the big second row – part of Canada’s coaching staff during the Americas Rugby Championship – will leave Clermont Auvergne in the off-season and head east not to Lyon but to Oyonnax on a two-year contract according to multiple French media sources.
With a neck injury and public spat with current Clermont coaching staff likely spelling the end of his season, which division Cudmore will be playing in next season is yet to be determined. Oyonnax are currently in last spot in the Top 14, one point behind Agen and a dozen short of Stade Français, and unless there is a dramatic turn in fortunes they are likely to be relegated to Pro D2.
The move to USO would be the first since joining Clermont in 2005, with whom Cudmore has since made more than 200 appearances across all competitions. It appears the contract will also include a formal role in a coaching capacity. Oyonnax are currently under the direction of former scrumhalf Johann Authier, with front row specialist Pascal Peyron employed as a forwards coach and former France midfielder Stéphane Glas in charge of the backs.
