After a few months of negotiations Cinderford RFC has announced the signing of former premiership player, Adam Balding. Talks between the Forest Club and the back rower having been ongoing since September but following his appointment as the host City’s coordinator for its preparations for Rugby World Cup 2015, Adam was focused on his new ambassadorial role.
Now settled in his daytime work at Gloucester City Council, Adam missed having rugby in his life. Said director of rugby, Andy Deacon, “We are thrilled to finally have Adam join us. His rugby CV speaks volumes and as a talented back row forward, competent at 6, 7 or 8, he is a great addition to the squad. His physicality and strength in defence, coupled with the ability to play an expansive game, will add that extra dimension to the Cinderford brand.”
“I played against Balders when he was at Leicester and we have kept in contact ever since. His ability to read the game, make the right decision and his strength in the tackle is outstanding. We look forward to seeing what he brings to our game when he starts with us next week.”
Commenting on his return to the game, Adam said: “After leaving London Welsh last season I have since been thoroughly engrossed in my new World Cup role. It’s now time for me to get back on the pitch and having a high caliber National One side in the county, it all made perfect sense. I start training next week and look forward to pulling my boots back on. I also look forward to meeting all the Cinderford guys and I hope to add to their great platform, and share my experiences on and off the pitch.”
Adam continued: “Playing Nat1 rugby and travelling the length and breadth of the UK from Worthing to Tynedale to Blackheath, will also be beneficial to my role in helping to raise awareness of the World Cup competition and coordinate events in and around the community and local businesses. So it’s a win-win situation.”
Cinderford RFC chairman, Mark Gayther presented Adam with his shirt on contract signing and commented: “We are pleased to welcome Adam to the Forest of Dean and strengthening our breadth and depth in the back row. We now have a great pool of players for selection for our senior teams and it’s an opportunity for the younger, developing guys to play with and benefit from Adam’s vast experience, as we head towards the half way mark in the season. Our loyal home supporters can meet Adam on December 21st in what will be a tough Coventry clash, and interestingly with Coventry being Adam’s home town it really is quite fitting!”
In a professional career spanning 15 years, Adam started out at Leicester Tigers after making his First XV debut aged 18 years, from their Academy. After that he a had a four year stint at Gloucester Rugby with the great honour of being captain for two seasons during his time there, and voted player of the year in 2005. In 2008 he then moved on to Newcastle Falcons for a couple of seasons before moving back down to the South West to join Worcester Warriors. Last year he played for London Welsh.