Jamie Cudmore (born 6 September 1978)[2] is a Canadian former professional rugby union player who played as a lock and as a flanker. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, he began his career with Capilano RFC in British Columbia. He then played professionally in Wales for Llanelli and Llandovery, and in France for Grenoble, Clermont and Oyonnax. He was nicknamed "Cuddles" by his teammates.[3]
Cudmore retired at the end of the 2016–17 season.[4]
Following critical posts on social media towards Canada's women's 7s rugby team, Cudmore was relieved from his coaching position with Rugby Canada.[5]
Personal life
Cudmore in 2009Cudmore in 2011
Cudmore says he "had a bit of trouble growing up". As a teenager, he was an enforcer for a drug dealer in his hometown and spent a year in a youth detention center following a conviction for assault.[6] He has stated that rugby turned his life around and channelled his aggression in the proud spirit of rugby union, throughout his playing career.
Cudmore and his wife Jennifer, who is originally from Newfoundland, have a daughter, Maelle. They currently live in the Clermont-Ferrand area of France, where Jamie owns a wine bar called "Vinomania", and a sportsbar/nightclub called "The Five".[8] Jennifer is an entrepreneur with an honors MBA from Grenoble École de Management, and together they recently came out with their own wine label called "Sin Bin". With the Chardonnay being named 'Yellow Card', and 'Red Card' being the name of the Pinot Noir Gamay, they poke fun at his disciplinary record.[9]
