CINDERFORD have signed highly-rated tight head prop James Tideswell from Championship club Yorkshire Carnegie in what director of rugby Paul Morris called a ’significant addition’.

Morris believes Tideswell’s signature is ’a strong statement of intent’ by the Dockham Road club, who are currently preparing for their National Two South campaign.

Tideswell, 32, brings a wealth of professional experience to the Beavis Memorial Ground. With over 20 Premiership appearances to his name with London Irish and London Welsh, Tideswell will surely be an integral part of a talented Cinderford forward pack.

The dynamic prop began his rugby career down the road at Hartpury College under the watchful eye of Andrew Stanley, the current Cinderford coaching consultant.

“We are thrilled to welcome James to Cinderford,” Morris said.

“He is a major signing for us; his playing record speaks for itself and we are excited about the many qualities that he will bring to the club.

“James has trained with us over the last few weeks and I’m really pleased that we had the opportunity to sell our ambition, playing squad and coaching team to him.

“He has been honest with us since we first made contact, shown great maturity during negotiations and we are delighted that he chose Cinderford as his next step.”

After playing spells at Stourbridge and Plymouth Albion, he made the step up to Premiership Rugby in 2010 and joined London Irish before moving to London Welsh in 2013 and played in the same side as Cinderford head coach, Adam Balding.

After 12 Premiership appearances for the Welsh Exiles, his services were secured by Yorkshire Carnegie and over the past two seasons made over 30 appearances for the Leeds-based club. James started in both Carnegie’s Championship play off semi-finals against eventual runners-up, Doncaster Knights.

“We have already seen James’ ability, professional edge and technical know-how during training,” Morris added, remarking his pride in the strength in depth at prop with Chris Bundy and new captain George Porter.

“It is also very encouraging to see how other players are reacting so positively to his presence.”