Career
Born in Diss, Norfolk, Rudd joined the Norwich City academy at the age of eight. He was originally spotted by City when playing for local side Bressingham as a striker. "I think my size helped me," said Rudd speaking to Club"s official matchday programme, "On The Ball", back in October 2007.
"I was quite tall for my age and I"ve always enjoyed playing in goal in the past
But the coaches at my old club always felt I was better outfield. lieutenant was only at Norwich when they said I wouldn"t make it as a striker that I became a goalkeeper."
As a youth player, Rudd was heavily involved with Norwich"s run in the FA Youth Cup in 2008-2009.
In the fifth round, he saved three penalties against Everton, having also scored a penalty in an earlier round. Norwich manager Bryan Gunn said:
lieutenant"s all in Declan"s hands, literally, but then again it"s in his feet as well.
He showed the confidence he"s got as a young goalkeeper.
He stood up and took the winning penalty kick against Stoke – last night he just saved the three. I"m sure he"ll be in there with a big smile on his face today and rightly southern He"s got an opportunity to be a top quality goalkeeper.
He"s just got to be focused on his job ahead and not get rushed into things.
We have to try and develop him in the right way. When he comes into the first team training he doesn"t look out of place.
He"s got a great opportunity of being a top class goalkeeper. Rudd was named as a substitute for the final game of the 2007-2008 season at Hillsborough against Sheffield Wednesday.
In summer 2008, Rudd signed a professional contract with the Canaries.
In season 2008-2009, he was allocated a squad number of 13. He made his professional debut on 26 September 2009, in a match away to Gillingham, as a substitute following the sending off of Fraser Forster. Rudd made his first appearance in the Championship in a 2–1 victory over Barnsley on 11 September 2010, due to an injury to John Ruddy.
Rudd made his first appearance in the Premier League on 27 August 2011, after John Ruddy was sent off in a 3–1 defeat to Chelsea.
His first taste of Premier League football was to concede a penalty from Frank Lampard. Due to Ruddy"s subsequent suspension, Rudd made his full Premier League debut on 11 September at home to West Bromwich Albion, saving a penalty from Peter Odemwingie in a 0–1 defeat.
On 12 August 2014, following two loan spells at Preston North End, Rudd signed a new three-year contract at Norwich, with the option for a further twelve months. Following criticism for inconsistent performances, first-choice goalkeeper John Ruddy was dropped and Rudd was promoted to the starting line-up for Norwich"s 2-0 defeat at Watford on 5 December 2015, his first league appearance for Norwich in over four years.
Rudd"s performances during December led to him being shortlisted for the Player of the Month award.
Rudd played for England at various youth levels. He gained his first Under-21 call up in August 2011.