Mike Abbott Renews Contract as Cornwall RLFC Head Coach

Mike Abbott, head coach of Cornwall RLFC, has committed to a new agreement to lead the League One team for the 2025 season. Abbott, aged 46, has guided Cornwall to a total of eight victories during his two seasons at the helm. He assumed the coaching role following the club’s inaugural season, succeeding former Widnes and Dewsbury coach Neil Kelly. Under Abbott’s leadership, the Choughs achieved their most successful season to date in 2023, securing five wins out of 18 games, and have added three victories this year. Abbott, who was born in St Helens, relocated to Cornwall in 2016. Prior to becoming Kelly’s assistant, he coached the development squad known as the Cornish Rebels. This contract extension comes one day after the announcement of the club’s acquisition by businessman Kenny Stone, a Cornishman who purchased the team from its Canadian owners. Abbott stated, “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.” He added, “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. 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.” Abbott’s new agreement marks the first significant decision made by Stone since taking control of the club. Stone commented, “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.” He further appealed, “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.”