Cornwall RLFC Look to Build Momentum as Mike Abbott Commits for 2025

Cornwall RLFC have confirmed that Mike Abbott will remain as head coach for the 2025 Betfred League 1 season. Abbott, who first took the reins in October 2022 following Neil Kelly’s departure, has been instrumental in guiding the Choughs over the past two campaigns.

The 2023 season marked several milestones for Cornwall, including their first back-to-back wins and a memorable victory over heartlands side Rochdale Hornets on the campaign’s final day. Building on that foundation, Abbott aims to further establish Cornwall as a competitive force in rugby league’s professional ranks.

Speaking to cornwallrlfc.co.uk, Abbott said, “What really made me really want to commit to a third year was the amount of lads that didn’t hesitate to commit to this team and really bought into what we want to achieve. That was key for me.”

New Ownership, Fresh Opportunities

With Ken Stone now at the helm as the club’s new owner, Cornwall RLFC is poised to take significant steps forward. Stone’s involvement has already had a positive impact, with key squad members committing to the team for 2025.

Abbott praised Stone’s approach, saying, “That comes from his honesty. It’s way easier to work with people when you know where you stand. You can see from the contact Ken’s already had with the players that we’re getting a real sense of involvement. Just him putting time and energy into the club is inspiring players to do the same.”

Stone expressed confidence in Abbott’s abilities, stating, “I’m looking forward to building a strong relationship with Mike to develop players and winning games for Cornwall. He has proven he has what it takes, and my job is to make that process as easy as possible to fulfil his coaching goals and aspirations.”

Focus on ‘The Cornwall Way’

Looking ahead, Abbott has a clear vision for the team’s playing style in 2025. Reflecting on past seasons, he said, “I want this season to be more about us. In reflection, we should have paid more attention to how good we were as a team and what our strengths were, not spending too much time focusing on our opponents and not taking away from what Cornwall were good at.”

He added, “I want to play fast, off-the-cuff rugby that’s won us a number of games in the past. Playing the Cornwall way and having other teams fear how we play. The 2025 season brings the opportunity to build a brand of rugby that the Cornish can be proud of and get behind.”

Support for Cornwall RLFC

Stone echoed Abbott’s call for community support, urging the South West rugby league community to rally behind the team. “With growing support and backing within the club, we’re calling all of Cornwall and the South West rugby league community to get behind the project that we’re building here as we aim to build pathways into the professional game from the grassroots up.”

Cornwall will kick off their 2025 Betfred League 1 campaign at the Memorial Ground against Newcastle Thunder on Sunday, 23rd March. Ticket details will be announced in due course.