Ealing Trailfinders scored eleven tries in a comprehensive victory over their West London rivals at Trailfinders Sports Ground. 

Tries from Patrick Campbell, Tobi Wilson, Harry Thompson, Michael Stronge, Jordan Holgate, Tobi Cousins, Will Parry and Will Montgomery further consolidated Trailfinders position at the top of the table. 

The win over Richmond also a record equalling 19th win in a row for the men in green.

Ealing Trailfinders kicked off their London derby against Richmond in crisp conditions at Trailfinders Sports ground. Soft hands from Tobi Wilson put Patrick Campbell in for Trailfinders’ opening try in the fourth minute, but George Worboys was unable to add the extra two points.

Just over ten minutes later a barnstorming run and a sumptuous offload from Kyle Hatherell put Tobi Wilson in for Ealing Trailfinders’ second try. Worboys slotted the conversion to give the home side a twelve point lead.

Within five minutes, Trailfinders had their third try as Harry Thompson broke from the back of a rolling maul, grounding the ball with a remarkable finish as his momentum carried him towards the line. From out wide on the left the conversion was unsuccessful.

Just three minutes later, Ealing Trailfinders had the try bonus point wrapped up. Wilson exploded onto a beautiful flat pass across the face of a defence from Worboys, breaking the line before offloading back inside to Michael Stronge who crossed the whitewash.

Jordan Holgate powered over in the right corner for Trailfinders’ fifth try, with the men in green scoring their 27th point on the stroke of the 27th minute.

A fantastic Wilson counterattacking break and soft hands across the pitch put Tobi Cousins in for a try in an identical spot to Holgate’s try, and from the same tough angle Worboys added the extras. 

On the stroke of half time Trailfinders went off the top of a lineout, and Holgate crashed the ball up before offloading to his centre partner Will Parry, who slid in under the posts for his side’s seventh try. From out in front, Worboys nailed the conversion as the referee blew his whistle for half-time.

Half-time: Ealing Trailfinders 41-0 Richmond

Holgate started the second half the way he finished the first, breaking the line from inside his own half, before offloading to Stronge who grabbed his second try of the game. Worboys slotted the kick from the left touchline, making the score 48-0 with 45 minutes played.

Trailfinders’ rolling maul was stopped by the Richmond forward pack, before the ball was spun to Holgate, who stepped the defence and grabbed his second try. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

Will Montgomery burrowed over from close range for Ealing Trailfinders’ tenth try of the day.

Richmond grabbed their first points of the game through a try for Chidera Obonna, after Paddy Case floated a flat pass over Trailfinders’ defence to put the winger into space. Replacement Lewis Dennett added the conversion.

Trailfinders had the last word, with Montgomery powering his way over for a second well taken try on the cusp of full time. From out wide on the right touchline Scannell slotted a tough conversion, as the referee’s whistle brought an end to proceedings at Trailfinders Sports Club.

Jordan Holgate was awarded Player of the Match.

Full-time: Ealing Trailfinders 65-7 Richmond

Player of the Match: Jordan Holgate 

Ealing Trailfinders: 

Tries – Patrick Campbell 4, Tobi Wilson 16 Harry Thompson 21 Michael Stronge 24 44, Jordan Holgate 28 57 Tobi Cousins 37, Will Parry 40 Will Montgomery 68 80

Conversions – George Worboys 17 38 40 45

Richmond: 

Tries – Chidera Obonna 77

Conversions – Lewis Dennett 78

The West London derby weekend continues as Ealing Trailfinders host Richmond in Round Fifteen of the Champ. 

Read everything you need to know ahead of the game in the match programme.

It’s derby weekend at Trailfinders Sports Club. Ealing Trailfinders host Richmond in Round Fifteen of the Champ. 

Ben Ward has named his squad to face Richmond at Trailfinders Sports Club this Saturday.

Conor Oliver captains the side after featuring in the squad against Chinnor last week.

Kyle Whyte retains his place at loosehead after Round Fourteen. George Davis starts at tighthead. After coming off the bench and scoring last week, Harry Thompson starts at hooker.

Ben Ward names a rotated engine room. Geordie Irvine and Sean Lonsdale start in the second row.

A changed half-back pairing sees Michael Stronge start at scrum-half with George Worboys named at fly-half.

Jordan Holgate and Will Parry start in the centres.

Toby Cousins secures his first start for Trailfinders on the left wing after scoring the winning try against Chinnor last weekend.

Patrick Campbell starts on the right wing with Tobi Wilson at fullback.

James Kenny, Gabriel Mann and Rory Scannell are named on the bench in a 6-2 split.

Kick-off is 3pm, Saturday 31 January at Trailfinders Sports Club.

Watch the match on Clubber TV. 

Starting XV: 

15. Tobi Wilson

14. Patrick Campbell

13. Will Parry

12. Jordan Holgate

11. Toby Cousins

10. George Worboys

9. Michael Stronge

1. Kyle Whyte

2. Harry Thompson

3. Kabous Bezuidenhout

4. Geordie Irvine

5. Sean Lonsdale

6. Kyle Hatherell

7. Conor Oliver (C)

8. Will Montgomery

Replacements: 

16. Scott Buckley

17. James Kenny

18. George Davis

19. Matas Jurevicius

20. Jamie Carr

21. Gabriel Mann

22. Sam Edwards

23. Rory Scannell

Utility back Rory Scannell offered his thoughts on the Champ season at Trailfinders, diversity in the centres, and London life. 

With fourteen out of fourteen appearances in Ealing Trailfinders’ Champ season so far, Rory Scannell reflects on how the season has unfolded and how the Champ compares to his previous experience at Munster in the URC.

“It’s been good so far. I’m really enjoying it. The travel is a lot less than what I’m used to. We would have been flying a lot more in Munster. A lot of teams in our league are quite close to us, so there’s only a handful of long trips.

“The league itself has been great. There are a lot of different teams who use a lot of different tactics. There are some running teams, some like to kick a bit more. It’s about being able to adapt week to week.

“But it’s been a great start to the season: we’re top of the league, fourteen games in with wins. We’re in a good spot.”

Scannell has featured in every matchday squad that Director of Rugby Ben Ward has named in the Champ this season. Having scored a total of thirty-one points in Trailfinders colours, Scannell offered his thoughts on squad rotation and getting plenty of minutes under his belt.

“I want to play as much as I can. Obviously, we have a competitive squad and quite a few numbers, so it’s important to keep everyone match fit, so they’re ready to go in case there are injuries and stuff like that.

“The squad rotation is good for me at my age to not have too many minutes under the belt, but I also want to play as much as I can. I’ve been involved every week so far, and hopefully we’ll continue a successful run as the season progresses.”

Scannell joined the Club after achieving 200 caps for Munster. He commented on how he relies on his previous experience playing in the URC and implementing that knowledge into game management for Trailfinders.

“I think my previous experience has been quite helpful and some of the games this year have been quite tight. Particularly our last two games against Chinnor and Worcester Warriors.

“I suppose the experience I have with the younger players in the squad and just trying to help those boys out keeping us calm under the cosh has been important in a few games. I do lean on that experience quite a bit but I’m just trying to help the squad and all the lads in any way I can.

“The last two games have probably been right up there as my favourites from this season.

“The game against Worcester was built up from the start of the season with them coming back into the Champ and we knew they were going to be a tough side coming to Trailfinders Sports Club.

“Last weekend against Chinnor was a completely different game. It was a nitty gritty one against a physical team. We haven’t had to come from behind so late in a game this season, which was pleasing to see that we had our backs against the wall and we were able to come out on top. Those two matches were definitely right up there as my favourites.”

Post-match huddle, Chinnor vs Ealing Trailfinders, Round Fourteen

With a variety of centre combinations at Trailfinders, Scannell surrounds himself with talented young players in the back line including Geordie Gwynn, Francis Moore, Will Parry, and Jordan Holgate.

“We’ve quite a few centres. I thought Will Parry played an excellent game against Cambridge and was just waiting for his chance to play.

“I try and help the younger players in any way I can, and they do the same for me.

“I think we’re a good group. We all get on quite well. It’s easy to bounce ideas off each other and and help each other out.

“Jordan’s experience of playing in the league has also been a big help with the wider squad too.

“We have a good number of centres which allows us to rotate quite a bit as well. Everyone gets a chance, which is good. We’re getting on really well together and helping each other out.”

Scannell’s versatility in the backs means he can alternate between fly-half, inside centre, and outside centre.

“I played a lot of my rugby growing up at fly-half and into the Munster Academy. One of my coaches Greig Oliver thought that I might be able to do a job at inside centre and it kind of went fairly seamlessly after that.

“A lot of my rugby over the last number of years has been at inside centre but also having the ability to cover fly-half and outside centre as well is helpful.

“I probably enjoy playing fly-half more, but I’m a bit more comfortable at inside centre.

“We have such a competitive pack and having impact from those guys is crucial. I suppose having flexible cover on the bench gives that option of the 6-2 split as well, if you wanted big forward impacts and backs that can cover multiple positions.”

Since moving to London from Ireland, Scannell and his family are making the most of what London has to offer.

“My wife and myself are based in Balham. A lot of our friends from school were living around that area in South London. Having them to lean on outside of rugby and helping us settle over here was great.

“I’m really enjoying living in London and the commute in the morning isn’t too bad. London is so easy to get around compared to back home and the public transport’s great. We’re settling in and seeing as many parts of London as we can.

“A couple of my friends that live in London try to get down to most of our home games at Trailfinders Sports Club which is great because I hadn’t seen them as much when I was at Munster.

“But my friend group in Ireland do fly over and come to games when they can. They did a good weekend in Bedford away in Round One of the Champ and they’re looking forward to coming over again.”

With plenty of coffee shops and restaurants on offer in London, Scannell has a particular favourite he likes to go to regularly.

“Milk London in Balham is one of my favourite coffee spots. I like to go there for Sunday morning breakfast, a bit of brunch, nice coffee.”

Outside of rugby, Scannell is also a keen golfer like many of the players in the Trailfinders squad.

“The weather hasn’t been too good so far for rounds of golf, but there’s a good crew of lads here that enjoy playing as well. But if the weather is grey, we try and get a group together to head to a simulator and hit a few.

“When the weather starts to improve, hopefully we’ll get out a bit more and see the courses around London.”

Ealing Trailfinders secure a hard fought win at Kingsey Road after a scoreless opening forty.

Trailfinders started the game strong, going through the phases in Chinnor’s half. The home side fought valiantly in defence and held Conor Oliver up over the line after five minutes.

After resetting, the men in yellow continued to draw penalties from Chinnor. Dan Jones kicked the ball into touch in Chinnor’s 22 to set up an attacking lineout. Chinnor continued to defend well and secured turnover ball in their 22.

The home side found their flow and drew a penalty from Trailfinders and kicked down field. Chinnor gained metres but Trailfinders’ blitz defence kept forcing them back. Loose ball from Chinnor meant Trailfinders were awarded a scrum on the edge of their 22.

Chinnor were ferocious in attack, applying pressure to Sam Edwards as the Trailfinders scrum-half put boot to ball.

Further up the field, another Trailfinders scrum set the platform for attacking play.

With no scores after fifteen minutes, Trailfinders found themselves defending once again in their half. Chinnor’s Nick Smith made a break down the left wing but he was dragged into touch by the Trailfinders back line.

After a lost ball from a Trailfinders line out, Chinnor rapidly moved through the phases towards their try line. Trailfinders slowed down a Chinnor driving maul and the home side sent the ball out wide, still failing to secure an opening score.

Trailfinders continued to defend valiantly as the clock surpassed the first quarter. Chinnor tried to carry the ball forward, but the Trailfinders defensive wall remained solid.

Jordan Holgate was shown a yellow card by the referee after an offside infringement in the centre of the field.

A scoreless scoreboard reflected the efforts of both teams’ defence as the clock moved deeper into the second quarter.

A fourteen-men Trailfinders played an advantage but Edwards missed touched. Chinnor gathered and sent the ball into the sky. Michael Dykes gathered in the air under pressure.

Battle of the midfield ensued with charged down kicks, chip and chases, and speedy runs by backline players from both sides.

Trailfinders were awarded a penalty and kicked the ball into touch to set Scott Buckley up for an attacking line out in Chinnor’s 22. Trailfinders went through the phases but the strength of Chinnor’s tackles sent the ball loose from the hands of the men in yellow.

Play in the midfield continued, with both teams opting for box kicking and applying pressure to the fullbacks.

Chinnor found further attacking flow with a break from Will Cave. The Chinnor back rower kicked the ball down field but Michael Dykes gathered the ball, relieving the pressure from the home side.

Holgate returned to the field with the scoreboard yet to be changed.

Chinnor were metres away from the first score but Trailfinders held the home side up over the try line for a scoreless first half.

Half-time: Chinnor 0-0 Ealing Trailfinders 

Chinnor kicked the ball deep from the second half kick-off. Josh Taylor skidded on the damp grass to gather the ball. Trailfinders opted for territory kicking and midfield play ensued, continuing the second half where the first forty ended.

Kyle Hatherell led the charge with Trailfinders’ collision work as Chinnor continued to march forward. Defending from the five metre line, Chinnor recycled the ball through the phases with the hopes of breaking the Ealing defensive wall.

A penalty was awarded to the home side and Chinnor set up a driving maul and stormed through to the try line for the first score after forty-five minutes from the hands of Chris Moore. The conversion was unsuccessful, giving the home side a five-point lead.

Trailfinders responded quickly and found themselves in Chinnor’s 22 with an attacking line out.

Another set piece to Trailfinders saw them have a scrum on the five metre line. The men in yellow drove the ball over in the maul, and Kyle Hatherell scored the first try for Trailfinders to level. Dan Jones converted to secure the lead for the first time in the match.

Chinnor responded with physical carries, drawing penalties from Trailfinders. Five metres out from their try line, Chinnor mauled the ball forward to no avail. The ball was sent back in-field. With space on the wing, the ball went out wide to Sam Hanks on the right wing who ran it into the corner for Chinnor’s second try.

With momentum on their side, Chinnor continued to attack. Hanks backed his kick and chase, gathered and scored in the right hand corner for a second time. The conversion was unsuccessful.

Will Montgomery was shown a yellow card by the referee for infringing in defence.

With fifteen minutes to go, Trailfinders aimed to keep ball in hand after box kicking for territory in previous passages of play. Chinnor’s Freddie Owsley continued the gather well and gain his side metres.

Chinnor’s Grant Hughes received a yellow card, meaning both teams were down to fourteen men.

With a penalty advantage, Trailfinders went to the driving maul. Harry Thompson picked the outside channel and scored in the right hand corner for Trailfinders’ second try. Dan Jones converted.

Only one point differentiating the two sides and less than five minutes to go, Trailfinders tried to apply further pressure but the home side fronted up to the challenge.

Chinnor won a scrum in their own half but missed a kick into touch. Trailfinders gathered and ran the ball up the field. Toby Cousins found a gap on the left wing and charged forward to score underneath the posts. Jones converted to seal out the game.

Full-time: Chinnor 15-21 Ealing Trailfinders 

Chinnor: 

Tries – Chris Moore 45, Sam Hanks 57 61

Yellow card – Grant Hughes

Ealing Trailfinders:

Tries – Kyle Hatherell 51, Harry Thompson 73, Toby Cousins 78

Conversions – Dan Jones 51 74 79

Yellow card – Jordan Holgate, Will Montgomery

 

The Champ returns after a two week hiatus. League leaders Ealing Trailfinders face Chinnor in Round Fourteen of the competition. 

Ben Ward has named six changes in his matchday squad to face Chinnor on Friday night.

The forward pack remains unchanged after Trailfinders’ win over Worcester Warriors at the start of the month.

Josh Taylor skippers the side after leading Trailfinders to a win in Round Thirteen. Kyle Hatherell and Conor Oliver join him in the back row.

Lining up in the front row is Kyle Whyte, Scott Buckley, and George Davis.

David Bridge and Matas Jurevicius line up in the engine room.

Sam Edwards starts at scrum-half with Dan Jones retaining his position at fly-half after Round Thirteen.

Rory Scannell lines up at inside centre with Francis Moore on the outside.

In the back three, Michael Dykes and Geordie Gwynn start on the wings with Tobi Wilson at fullback.

Will Montgomery and Michael Stronge come onto the bench in a 6-2 split.

Kick-off is 7:45pm, Friday 23 January at Chinnor RFC.

Watch the match on Clubber TV. 

Starting XV: 

15. Tobi Wilson

14. Geordie Gwynn

13. Francis Moore

12. Rory Scannell

11. Michael Dykes

10. Dan Jones

9. Sam Edwards

1. Kyle Whyte

2. Scott Buckley

3. George Davis

4.  David Bridge

5. Matas Jurevicius

6. Kyle Hatherell

7. Conor Oliver

8. Josh Taylor (c)

Replacements: 

16. Harry Thompson

17. Elliot Chilvers

18. PJ Sheck

19. Sean Lonsdale

20. Jamie Carr

21. Will Montgomery

22. Michael Stronge

23. Patrick Campbell

Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club are delighted to confirm a new strategic partnership with WealthFusion Limited (‘WealthFusion’) – the London-based private wealth management firm. 

The partnership will see WealthFusion play a meaningful role in supporting the development and wellbeing of players and staff across the Club through a programme of financial education workshops, guidance sessions and future-planning clinics delivered throughout the season. These sessions will help players build confidence in areas such as financial literacy, planning for life beyond rugby, and long-term security for themselves and their families, reinforcing the Club’s commitment to supporting personal and professional development off the field.

Tim Smith, Head of Commercial at Ealing Trailfinders, said:

We are extremely proud to welcome WealthFusion as our newest Strategic Partner. The beauty of this partnership is it goes far beyond your typical sponsorship deal. It delivers real, lasting value to our players and staff by giving them access to specialist financial guidance that supports their personal development and life beyond rugby.

This aligns perfectly with the launch of our new Connect Through Sport programme that focuses on the future of our players outside the world of rugby, ensuring they are well-equipped for careers during and post their playing days.”

Jane Grier, CEO at WealthFusion added:

We are delighted to partner with Ealing Trailfinders and to play a role in supporting the holistic development of players and staff. Financial confidence and long-term planning are essential parts of personal wellbeing, and we are excited to contribute to the Club’s vision of empowering its community both on and off the pitch.’

The programme of workshops will run across the men’s, women’s and academy environments throughout the season, forming a key part of the Club’s wider commitment to player welfare, education and long-term growth.

To find out more about WealthFusion, view their website here.

The Rugby Players Association (RPA) is proud to announce Abi Burton has been elected Chair of its first ever Women’s Rugby Board, with Jenny Hesketh elected Vice Chair, representing players for the remainder of the 2025–26 season.

As confirmed in June, RPA members voted in favour of establishing separate Men’s and Women’s Rugby Boards. This step reflects the RPA’s continued commitment to delivering dedicated representation and wellbeing support for every elite player across the game. By creating two Boards, players in both the men’s and women’s environments will benefit from tailored, player-led representation that responds directly to the specific challenges and opportunities they face.

The Women’s Rugby Board representatives for the 2025–26 season are:

Bristol Bears: Jenny Hesketh (Vice Chair)

Exeter Chiefs: Emily Tuttosi

Gloucester Hartpury: Sam Monaghan

Harlequins: Lagi Tuima

Leicester Tigers: Grace Deane

Loughborough Lightning: Elis Martin

Sale Sharks: Tysh Harper

Saracens: Ella Wyrwas

Trailfinders Women: Abi Burton (Chair)

Speaking on her election as Chair, Abi Burton said: “I’m really proud to have been elected Chair of the first Women’s Rugby Board. It’s an important opportunity to ensure players’ voices are heard, and I’m looking forward to working with the Board and the RPA to represent players across the women’s game.”

Following her appointment as Vice Chair, Jenny Hesketh said: “I’m really excited to take on the role of Vice Chair, supporting Abi and helping to bring together the voices of the Board as a collective. We want to create an open space for new conversations and ensure the Board represents the diversity of players and experiences across our clubs.”

All representatives are currently undertaking tailored board training through a bespoke programme developed for the RPA, funded by the Sports Governance Academy and delivered by the Chartered Governance Institute. This investment ensures every Board member is equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to contribute effectively, strengthening the depth and professionalism of player representation across the women’s game.

Rachael Burford, RPA Head of Women’s Rugby, added: “I am truly thrilled to announce the establishment of our inaugural Women’s Rugby Board. This exceptional group embodies a remarkable diversity of backgrounds and experiences that will undoubtedly enhance our efforts and strengthen our commitment to the women’s game. Their unique perspectives will play a vital role in ensuring we represent and advocate for all players. I would also like to congratulate Abi Burton and Jenny Hesketh on their election as Chair and Vice Chair, and I look forward to working closely with them as the Board begins its work.”

Ealing Trailfinders start 2026 with a bonus-point win with a dramatic 34–33 victory over Worcester Warriors at Trailfinders Sports Club.

The first meeting between the two sides lived up to expectation, with a high-scoring contest that swung repeatedly as both teams battled for control.

It was a tense opening, with an early knock-on from Ealing Trailfinders handing Worcester possession inside the Trailfinders’ half. From the resulting scrum, the ball was worked down a narrow channel to within a yard of the whitewash, before Trailfinders were able to clear after being awarded a relieving penalty.

Trailfinders soon applied pressure of their own. From a rolling maul just five feet out of the try line, Scott Buckley broke free to touch down and open the scoring. Dan Jones was unsuccessful with the conversion.

Moments later, Francis Moore doubled the advantage, breaking from 50 metres out and racing down the wing to score less than two minutes later. Jones converted to extend Trailfinders’ lead.

It was not long until Worcester responded, as Trailfinders attempted to clear from deep, Billy Keast charged down the kick and gathered to score for the Warriors. Will Reed successfully converted.

A penalty advantage soon followed for Worcester, which Austin Wallis took quickly with a tap-and-go, touching down to level the scores. Reed missed the conversion.

Trailfinders edged back in front when Dan Jones opted to take the three points from a penalty.

Worcester struck again through another Wallis tap-and-go. After a pile-up on the line and sustained pressure against a fortified Trailfinders defence, Obinna Nkwocha eventually forced his way over. Reed added the conversion to put the Warriors ahead.

An offside penalty then allowed Jones to kick into the corner. A driving maul crossed the line, but the try was ruled out for a crossing offence, keeping the crowd on edge.

Trailfinders finally regained the lead following another penalty. From the lineout, the ball was worked to Kyle Hatherell, who made ground just short of the line before offloading it to Josh Taylor, who crossed to score. Jones added the extras.

Just before half-time, a clearance from Trailfinders was gathered by Juan Gonzalez for the Warriors. He kicked through the defence to collect and passed out to Josh Bassett before grounding the ball over the line. Reed added the conversion.

Half-time: Ealing Trailfinders 22 – 26 Worcester Warriors

Trailfinders came out with early intent in the second half, denying the Warriors an early score by tacking an attacking Warrior into touch before clearing their lines.

It was Trailfinders who were first to add to the scoreboard after the break, securing their bonus-point try as Scott Buckley crashed over for his second of the afternoon. The conversion was missed.

Worcester hit back quickly, moving the ball wide to Roma Zheng, who found himself one-on-one with Geordie Gwynn. Zheng slipped through the narrow channel at pace to touch down, with Reed converting.

Trailfinders refused to let the game slip away. A break from Gwynn down the wing led to a defensive pile-up and several attacking phases, before Craig Hampson found space to reach over the line. Jones again added the conversion.

In the closing minutes, a high tackle from Craig Hampson on Tom Hendrickson saw him shown a yellow card. Worcester were awarded a penalty, which Reed attempted, but the kick struck the post, leaving Trailfinders just one point ahead as the match closed in tense fashion.

Full-time: Ealing Trailfinders 34 – 33 Worcester Warriors

Ealing Trailfinders:

Tries – Scott Buckly 9 49 Francis Moore 11 Josh Taylor 36 Craig Hampson 69

Conversions – Dan Jones 11 24 36 69

Penalty – Dan Jones 24

Worcester Warriors:

Tries – Billy Keast 14 Austin Wallis 20 Obinna Nkwocha 25 Juan Gonzalez 40 Roma Zheng 65

Conversions – Will Reed 14 25 40 65

Ealing Trailfinders welcome Worcester Warriors for the first time in the professional era for Round 13. 

Read everything you need to know about the top of the table clash in our match programme.

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