Welcome Sami Mavinga

Ealing Trailfinders are thrilled to announce the signing of Sami Mavinga ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The loosehead prop joins Trailfinders following his spell at French Pro D2 side US Carcassone.

Mavinga brings a wealth of experience to the club having started his career at the Lyon OU academy at the age of 13.

He played with Lyon for several seasons and helped his side gain promotion to the Top 14 in 2016 and the following season, represented his club in the European Challenge Cup.

After gaining promotion and getting a taste for European rugby, Mavinga moved to England to play for Newcastle Falcons in 2017. He stayed on Tyneside for two seasons, before making a return to the Top 14, this time with Stade Francais.

Most recently, the Frenchman played for Perpignan before signing with US Carcassone.

On joining Trailfinders, Mavinga said: “I’m delighted to return to England and join with Ealing Trailfinders.

“I have loved my time being back home in France but I am really excited to join a club like Trailfinders. They have had a huge amount of success in recent years and I hope I can help this club to continue to excel.”

Director of Rugby Ben Ward said: “I am really looking forward to seeing what Sami brings to the team.

“He has experience of playing in both France and England an I am confident he will enable us grow this club in the right direction.”

The signing of Sami Mavinga follows on from scrum-half Lloyd Williams and prop Brad Thyer both joining from Cardiff Rugby.