Match Round-up: Chinnor vs Ealing Trailfinders

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 x-x 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

 

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Lineup: Chinnor vs Ealing Trailfinders

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 announce strategic partnership with WealthFusion

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.

Abi Burton Elected Chair as RPA Announces First Ever Women’s Rugby Board

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.”

Match Round-up: Ealing Trailfinders v Worcester Warriors

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

Match programme: Ealing Trailfinders v Worcester Warriors

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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Angus Kernohan on his return to the field to face Worcester Warrriors

Club Captain Angus Kernohan returns to the starting XV for Round 13 to face Worcester Warriors for the first time in the professional era. 

Kernohan returns to the field for the first time since facing Ampthill in Round Six.

With one of the most anticipated games of the season so far, Kernohan is glad to be back on the field for the Club’s first clash of 2026.

“I feel really excited ahead of the match,” he said. “We’ve had quite a long block of matches. Each game we have played has prepared us for this.

“This is our hardest challenge yet and one that I think a lot of eyes will be on so I’m super excited to be involved in it.

“We want to take to the field and implement what we’ve been doing in training and do our best.

“I think if we do our best then I think we’ll put ourselves in a really good spot to win the game.” 

Ealing Trailfinders have never played Worcester Warriors in the professional era. After the West Midlands club returned to professional play for the 2025/26 season, Round Thirteen is one of the most highly anticipated rounds in the league. Kernohan and the wider Trailfinders squad have looked forward to the top of the table clash.

“It’s really exciting to be playing Worcester who have returned to rugby this year. They’ve got a lot of hype around them. They have a lot of support around them and that’s come across in the great stadium they have. Because of that support, I think they have added more eyes onto the league overall and I think that Round 13 will be one of the most intense games of the season.

“People will be watching. Hopefully, it will be a good game and one we can get on the right side of.” 

Ealing Trailfinders have had their most successful run in the Champ in the Club’s history. Twelve consecutive wins in the 2025/26 season plus five wins from the end of the Championship winning 2024/25 season has led to this incredibly strong run of wins.

Kernohan emphasised the mentality that has resulted in this success.

“I think our biggest run in the Champ ever has come from our attitude of taking each game as it comes.

“It’s easy in this league to focus on certain games in the season, whether it was the long journey to Cornish Pirates between Christmas and New Year or the game this weekend. So it can be easy to take your eyes off the game that’s immediately in front of you. Any team in this league can beat you if you’re not concentrating.

“We’ve had a focus of taking each game as it comes. We have our own standard for each game and we hold ourselves accountable to that standard and that standard only.

“Our preparation for this game will be the same as any other game. We’ve got a game plan that the coaches have put in place and if we go out there and we execute it and focus on what we need to do, we’ll be in with a really good shout of winning this weekend.

“There are a few Worcester players who have previously played as part of our squad so it will be a really good opportunity to see them.

“Overall, I’m really excited for this game and one that’s great for the Champ. I’m delighted that I get to be a part of it.” 

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Lineup: Ealing Trailfinders vs Worcester Warriors

2026 begins with a top of the table clash with Ealing Trailfinders hosting Worcester Warriors in Round Thirteen of the Champ.

Ben Ward has named four changes in his matchday squad to face the West Midlands side on Saturday afternoon.

Josh Taylor retains his place as skipper to captain the side against Worcester Warriors. He is joined by Kyle Hatherell after the South African scored two tries against Cornish Pirates last weekend. Conor Oliver also returns to the squad for the first time since Round Four.

Kyle Whyte returns to the starting XV at loosehead with Scott Buckley at hooker, and George Davies at tighthead.

David Bridge moves from the back row into the engine room this weekend alongside Matas Jurevicius.

Craig Hampson and Dan Jones remain as the starting halfback pairing.

Jordan Holgate lines up at inside centre with Francis Moore on the outside.

In the back three, Angus Kernohan and Geordie Gwynn start on the wings with Patrick Campbell at fullback.

Harry Thompson comes onto the bench as does Rory Scannell after starting in the centres in Round Twelve. Ben Ward names a 6-2 split.

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

Watch the match on Clubber TV. 

Starting XV: 

15. Patrick Campbell

14. Angus Kernohan

13. Francis Moore

12. Jordan Holgate

11. Geordie Gwynn

10. Dan Jones

9. Craig Hampson

1. Kyle Whyte

2. Scott Buckley

3. George Davies

4.  David Bridge

5. Matas Jurevicius

6. Kyle Hatherell

7. Conor Oliver

8. Josh Taylor (c)

Replacements: 

16. Harry Thompson

17. Mark Donnelly

18. Kabous Bezuidenhout

19. Sean Lonsdale

20. Jamie Carr

21. Gabriel Mann

22. Sam Edwards

23. Rory Scannell

Meg Jones Recognised on King’s New Year Honours List

Meg Jones has been included on the King’s New Year Honours list for 2026, recognised with an MBE.

Jones played a key role in England’s Rugby World Cup success on home soil, beating Canada in the final at Allianz Stadium back in September. She scored a brace against Samoa in the pool stages and a crucial try on the way to beating France in the semi-final.

Earlier in the year, the dynamic centre lit up the Red Roses grand slam winning Six Nations campaign with two tries and three try assists.

On a personal note, she was a World Rugby Player of the Year nominee and selected in the World Rugby Dream Team of the Year. Domestically, she was named PWR Player of the Season for a second consecutive year.

On being made an MBE, Jones said:

“I didn’t really know what to expect. You certainly never really think of getting it… I guess you think of just winning the World Cup and then all the other bits that come with it are just extras – and then obviously it’s an amazing honour!

“I feel a massive honour and privilege to receive the award, and hopefully put rugby on the map, which is all part of the aim.

“One of the Red Roses legacies is to inspire the next generation and keep pushing the narrative. If we can keep doing that, then we know we’ll be doing the best thing we possibly can for this sport.”

Red Roses Ellie Kildunne and Sadia Kabeya have also been recognised with MBEs, and Zoe Stratford (née Aldcroft), Marlie Packer and head coach John Mitchell will receive OBEs.

Match Round-up: Ealing Trailfinders vs Cambridge

Ealing Trailfinders claimed their eleventh win of the season against Cambridge after a 68-17 at Trailfinders Sports Club.

Braces from Deago Bailey, Gabriel Mann and Matt Cornish helped secure all five points for the hosts.

The result leaves Trailfinders nine points clear at the top of the Champ Rugby table, the only unbeaten side in the competition.

It was an electric start at Trailfinders Sports Club, with Ealing Trailfinders getting on the board inside the opening two minutes. After multiple pick and go phases on the Cambridge try line, George Worboys spotted some space out wide and delivered a well-timed miss pass which allowed Bailey to walk in.

Trailfinders were back inside the visitors’ 22 shortly after. This time a gap opened up for Sam Edwards. He picked up the ball at the back of a ruck and darted through the hole. Worboys added the extra two to double the lead.

A scrappy 15 minutes followed, until Will Parry broke the game open again. He battered through two Cambridge defenders to set up a two-on-one with the fullback to put his centre partner Geordie Gwynn away.

Kyle Hatherell scored the bonus-point try, after a rampaging run from 25 metres through the middle of the Blood and Sand defence, shaking off players as he dived over the line.

Gabriel Mann finished the half with a flourish, Bailey intercepted on halfway and offloaded to the back-rower as he cantered in down the right-hand side.

Half-time: Ealing Trailfinders 35-0 Cambridge

After the break, it was Cornish who was up to his old tricks, two powerful rolling maul tries sandwiched a score Taitusi Qaniuci which got Cambridge on the board.

Approaching the final quarter of the match, Rory Scannell sent a delightful cross-field kick out the right wing, the ball bounced and Bailey got his hands on the ball first. He raced to the line to score his brace.

Replacement Harry Thompson had a dream start to life in green. An overthrown Cambridge lineout landed right in the hooker’s hands, he made a 5-metre dash to whitewash and dotted down.

Two lates tries for the visitors wasn’t enough for them to get anything from the game. Ben Ward’s men had the final say; Mann crossed for his second of the afternoon as the clock ticked into red.

Full-time: Ealing Trailfinders 68-17 Cambridge

Ealing Trailfinders:

Tries – Deago Bailey 2 56, Sam Edwards 10, Geordie Gwynn 26, Kyle Hatherell 33, Gabriel Mann 36 80, Matt Cornish 42 50, Harry Thompson 61

Conversions – George Worboys 3 11 27 34 37 43 51 62 80

Yellow Cards – PJ Sheck 5 Michael Dykes 78

Cambridge:

Tries – Taitusi Qaniuci 45, Eli Caven 76, Vereimi Qorowale 79

Conversions – Jamie Annand 47

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