Josh Taylor skippers Ealing Trailfinders this weekend in Round 5 of the Champ after leading the side to a win in Round 3 of the competition.
The back rower is product of the Trailfinders Academy and has represented Scotland at U20s level.
Whilst Taylor is a regular presence in the back row for Trailfinders, his rugby career began in the second row. However, as he progressed as a player, Taylor noticed that the back row suited his playing style better.
“I think there was more opportunity in the back row,” he said when explaining the motivation to move positions.
“I just think from a back row point of view you get through a lot of more work as in the number of tackles and carries. You’re in the game a lot more.
“I’d say probably my speed and power is used a lot better when being in the back row. Being in the second row, there are more mauls. In the back row, it’s a lot easier to get off scrums, make big hits.
“It’s the pace, power and agility side of things that encouraged me to commit to the switch. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become a lot more powerful and that suits the position I’m in now.”

This weekend is the second time that Taylor will captain the side this season. Leadership is a trait that Taylor is learning as his career progresses, particularly the type of way he wants to lead.
“A lot of the lads know I’m not the most vocal of people. I say something when I need to. I try to lead by my actions on the pitch – that’s what dictates how I lead.
“If I feel like something needs to be said in the huddle, then I’ll say something. But I prefer to lead by example and I think that’s one of the reasons why I get selected to captain.
“Maybe as I grow in confidence as a leader I will become more vocal but the leadership group advise to lead through action and that’s what I try to do.”
“When I do speak, I keep it short and sweet. I feel like the lads are more likely to listen if I have one or two points to say.
“I lean on the other leaders in the group: Dan Jones, Rory Scannell, Conor Oliver. I pick their brains as well.
“Leadership is about getting the right balance between not having too many voices speaking and having clear points for the group to follow.”

Taylor is Scottish-qualified and represented the nation in the U20s age group alongside fellow team mate Geordie Gwynn and Trailfinders Academy product Jare Oguntibeju who now plays for Glasgow Warriors.
Taylor offered his thoughts on what that international exposure gave him as a player.
“I think the biggest takeaway from that experience was the belief to actually think I was good enough to play at that level. Prior to then, I hadn’t had experience beyond academy rugby.
“Playing with Scotland U20s made me realise that I was good enough to be playing at the highest levels of age-grade rugby.
“It gave me a lot of confidence too, playing in front of large crowds at the U20s Six Nations. It gives you the confidence to perform at your best week in week out.
“I obviously talk to Geordie because he’s here at the club and occasionally drop Jare a message. I was also in the second row when I played U20s so I was close to Max Williamson who is now in the senior Scotland squad. I speak to him from time to time.”
Ealing Trailfinders host Hartpury in Round 5 of the Champ. Trailfinders played away to the Gloucestershire-based outfit in pre-season and came out as the victors. Hartpury have started their season strong with three wins and one loss.
The visitors this weekend are four places below Trailfinders in the table, but the home side will have no intention of the visitors closing that gap this weekend.
“I’d say that they throw the ball around a lot. They’ve got a big physical pack who are probably the most established in the league.
“We know if you give them a look in, they will take the opportunity to score tries.
“After last week’s performance against Coventry, we really want to go after this week and be good with our discipline and defence. Although it was an easy fix last week to sort out discipline and phases of play.
“We knew we weren’t at our best for the full game last week, but we still got a good result. The challenge for us this week is to stay on top and not concede as many tries. That’s the challenge every week.”

Trailfinders typically kick for the corner when given the opportunity. Taylor commented on the confident attitude of the squad to back themselves, especially when they get into the red zone.
“We have a chat every week about where our best weapons are. We always want to challenge on the scoreboard so hence why we kick to the corner a lot.
“We want to put pressure on teams where we can and to score as many tries as possible.”
Like many of the players at Ealing Trailfinders, Taylor enjoys his golf.
“I do enjoy my golf. There’s a great group of lads who play and it’s just a good way of switching off from rugby but also getting our active recovery in.”
Many of the players have quoted fullback Tobi Wilson as being one of the strongest golfers at the club.
“He is good at golf, though it pains me to say it. When I play him, I do find that I step up my game. So, I’ll give him that – he is a good player.”