BRETT WILKINSON TO DEPART EALING TRAILFINDERS

We can confirm that Scrum Coach Brett Wilkinson will be leaving the club after our April 19th fixture against Bedford Blues

Wilkinson, who was born in Grahamstown, South Africa, has played a key role in the coaching setup at Ealing Trailfinders, helping the club achieve remarkable success over recent years. 

He first joined the Trailfinders Rugby Academy at Brunel University as Forwards Coach in 2021 before moving up to the first team as Scrum and Transition Coach. In this role, he played a key part in enhancing the squad’s set-piece and forward play.

As a player, Wilkinson enjoyed a distinguished career as a prop, making 183 appearances for Connacht. He also earned five caps for Ireland ‘A’ and featured in a non-cap international against the Barbarians before a serious neck injury forced him into retirement.

Transitioning into coaching, Wilkinson gained experience in Ireland as Head Coach of All-Ireland League side Buccaneers before taking up roles in Hong Kong, where he coached HKU Sandy Bay in the Hong Kong Premiership, as well as the national team and the South China Tigers. 

His vast experience in elite-level rugby has been invaluable to Ealing over the past three seasons. During his time at Trailfinders, Wilkinson was part of the coaching staff that guided the team to the Championship title in 2023/24.

This season, he has continued to play a crucial role as the team aims for a third league title in four years.

He was also involved in the squad’s back-to-back Premiership Cup semi-final appearances and their Championship Cup triumph in 2022/23, where Ealing defeated Jersey Reds at Trailfinders Sports Ground.

Trailfinders Women Head Coach, Barney Maddison said: 

“I’ve really enjoyed working with Brett, both as a player and as well from a coaches perspective with the women’s side. His set-piece knowledge has been a huge asset for the club over the past few years. From a personal point of view he will be missed, but I wish him and his family all the best on their next adventure.

Director of Rugby, Ben Ward, paid tribute to Wilkinson’s contributions, saying: 

“In his time here, Brett has been an incredibly valued member of the club both on and off the field. His technical knowledge, work ethic, and ability to build strong relationships with the players have been key to our success in recent years.

While we are sad to see him go, myself and everyone at Ealing Trailfinders fully support his decision, thank him for his effort and dedication, and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career.”