By Paul Smith 
Will Chudley has decided to bring the curtain down on his lengthy and storied rugby career at the end of the current campaign.
The 36-year-old scrum-half joined Coventry following the demise of Worcester in the autumn of 2022 and has since made a colossal impact on what has become his last club.
Despite to date playing only 39 games for the blue-and-whites, Chudley has in that time won a Supporters’ Club player-of-the-year award and arguably was the key onfield figure in Cov achieving their highest league finish in the professional era.
And with three games of the current season remaining he may yet go out on an even bigger high as part of a team that improves on that 2023 third-place finish.
A string of man-of-the-match awards emphasise just how significant Chudley’s ability to manage a game from the base of his pack, direct everyone around him and consistently take the right options when in possession have been to Cov’s progress during the last two seasons.
In addition to being a fans’ favourite, according to head coach Alex Rae his veteran scrum-half is also a hugely popular and valued member of the squad.
“I’m gutted Will won’t be around next year but want to congratulate him on a fantastic career,” he said.
“First and foremost he’s a great person and role model for our young playing group.
“His performances on the pitch have made him the stand-out no.9 in this league; he has added so much.
“We were pleased to be able to give Will two enjoyable years and it is great to see him go out with a smile on his face.
“He’ll always be welcome at the Butts and I hope we see plenty of him.”
After starting his senior career with this Saturday’s opponents Bedford, Chudley went on to play more than 130 Premiership games for Newcastle, Bath, Worcester and most notably Exeter where his six-year stay coincided with the club’s gradual rise from top flight new boys to 2017 final winners.
Chudley views his time at Coventry with great affection and said the last two seasons have proved to be a highlight within his career.
“I’ve had such a great time here at Cov,” he said. “Reuniting with Razor (Alex Rae) and Scays (James Scaysbrook) has been fantastic; they’re remarkable individuals and excellent coaches.
“Coventry became my haven during a time of uncertainty and fear with Worcester and coming here has proven to be one of the best choices I’ve ever made.
“The team dynamic and the culture fostered by the coaches, Jon Sharp and Nick Johnston make this place truly special, and I am confident that this group will only get better.
“Without a doubt, I have loved every minute of my time as a Cov Dog.”
Chudley has for the last year been working as a financial advisor alongside playing for Coventry and is now looking to move into this area on a full-time basis. He also hopes to stay involved in rugby in some capacity.
Buy tickets to Coventry Rugby’s home game against Bedford Blues on Saturday here.
