Ben Ward has been appointed as Mike Cudmore's successor at Ealing Trailfinders.

He will assume the role of Coaching Director from June 1, the day after Cudmore bows out.

Ward will be carry on as coach and player until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old Ward joined Trailfinders in 2004 and as fly-half was instrumental in helping the team rise through the RFU leagues to their present position in the Greene King IPA Championship.

Currently he is head coach and has also held the position of backs coach and captain.

“It is a huge honour to be given this opportunity at Ealing Trailfinders,” Ward said.

“I was brought to the club 10 years ago by Mike Cudmore and have been fortunate to have been here ever since.

"Mike has played a huge part in my development and I would like to thank him for that.

“I enjoy coaching attacking rugby. It is something this club has built a reputation for over the years and something I want to build on and continue.

"We have a great infrastructure already in place and it is about bringing in a few of my own ideas and looking to continue to improve where we can. "

Ward added: “We have a thriving mini and youth section, an academy and development team that is bringing players through towards the first team as well as an amateur section.

"The club continues to grow and I look forward to playing a major role in that.”