Lineup: Edinburgh vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders name their lineup to play Edinburgh on Friday.

Trailfinders Rugby Academy graduate Josh Taylor is set to captain the side at Hive Stadium. Will Montgomery and new signing Conor Oliver complete the back row.

Geordie Gwynn is the only person to retain his place in the starting XV after last week’s victory over Chinnor. He is partnered by Jordan Holgate in the centres.

Matt Cornish starts at hooker, with Lefty Zigiriadis and George Davis packing down either side of him.

Craig Hampson and Rory Scannell line up alongside each other at scrum-half and fly-half respectively.

After signing from Bristol Bears in the summer, Josh Caulfield starts alongside Sean Lonsdale in the engine room.

Tom Collins, Angus Kernohan and Tobi Wilson make up the back three.

There are 14 players on the replacements list, including Mike Willemse, David Bridge, Will Parry and Dan Jones.

Kick-off is at 20:00 on Friday 19th September at Hive Stadium.

Starting XV:

15. Tobi Wilson

14. Angus Kernohan

13. Geordie Gwynn

12. Jordan Holgate

11. Tom Collins

10. Rory Scannell

9. Craig Hampson

1. Lefty Zigiriadis

2. Matt Cornish

3. George Davis

4. Josh Caulfield

5. Sean Lonsdale

6. Josh Taylor (c)

7. Conor Oliver

8. Will Montgomery

Replacements:

Mike Willemse

James Kenny

Kyle Whyte

David Bridge

George Shaw

Rob Farrar

Kyle Hatherell

Sam Edwards

George Worboys

Michael Dykes

Deago Bailey

Will Parry

Patrick Campbell​

The silver screen in Ealing green

This season, our home match posters will celebrate the iconic Ealing Studios, paying homage to some of the legendary films that have shaped generations of cinema, created right here in Ealing.

From the elegance of the 1940s to the spectacle of modern blockbusters, each design will echo a chapter in the remarkable history of the longest continuously running film studio in the world.

Weaving the artistry of film into the passion of rugby, we’ll showcase our fixtures in a way that reflects the pride we have in the cultural heritage of our community.

Jack Cairns, Head of Marketing at Ealing Trailfinders said:

“It’s a celebration of two great institutions at the heart of the Ealing community; one that tell stories on the silver screen, and another that plays them out on the pitch – each demanding drama, spectacle, and touch of timeless style. We’re proud to bring them together in a way that honours what makes this place feel special.”

Our teams’ first home games each receive the cinematic treatment initially, with our men’s Champ Rugby opener against Chinnor inspired by The Darkest Hour (2017) and Trailfinders Women’s PWR Round 1 Clash against Exeter Chiefs reminiscent of Ealing Studios’ classic, Passport to Pimlico (1949).

Be sure to follow on our socials and look out for the special matchday posters throughout the season.

To learn more about the incredible history of Ealing Studios, visit their website here.

Caity Mattinson Retires From Professional Rugby

Caity Mattinson has retired from professional rugby to pursue a new opportunity in coaching.

Mattinson, who joined Trailfinders in July 2024, has decided to retire from playing professional rugby to focus on a full-time career in coaching.

From her first steps in rugby at aged 7 for Tynedale Rugby Club through to representing Scotland at the Rugby World Cup in her final appearance, the scrum-half has shown passion, dependability, and an attacking flare that meant she was a vital playmaker and a valued teammate throughout her playing career.

Speaking about her time at the club, Mattinson said:

“I’d just like to say a big thank you to everyone at the club for making me so welcome and all the support last season. Trailfinders is a great group of players and I’ve no doubt that they’ll do big things this season and I’m looking forward to cheering them on from the stands.

“I’d also like to thank the U14 girls and their parents, it was a real pleasure to coach them and be reminded of what it’s all about.

Finally to Barney, who’s been incredibly supportive of my decision to retire and who’s Tynedale roots were always a welcome reminder of home.”

Head Coach of Trailfinders Women, Barney Maddison said:

“Caity is a true professional and has always put the team first during her time with us.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with her, and I believe she has a big future in the game from a coaching point of view. I’m excited to see her grow in her next chapter of her rugby career.”

Everyone at the club wishes Caity all the very best of luck in her next adventure.

Match Round-up: Chinnor vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders got their 2025-26 preseason campaign off to a winning start with victory over Chinnor RFC on Friday night.

Tries from captain Scott Buckley, George Worboys and Richie Simpson helped secure the 34-59 against Chinnor.

Buckley got Ealing Trailfinders off to a great start. The hooker broke from a rolling maul inside the opening ten minutes and finished well, just managing to stay infield.

Chinnor scored their first try just after, but it wasn’t long before Jamie Carr found himself on the end of an overlap to put Ben Ward’s men back in front.

The hosts then got their second of the afternoon, but moments later Elliot Chilvers played an instrumental part in Trailfinders’ third. The prop broke the line, sold a dummy and passed to Worboys, who dived over in the corner.

George Shaw, who spent time on loan at Chinnor last season, extended the lead as he dotted down under the sticks. Chinnor had the final say before the break as Alun Walker got himself on the scoresheet.

Half-time: Chinnor 17-28 Ealing Trailfinders

The visitors came firing out of the blocks in the second half. Trailfinders Rugby Academy graduate Geordie Gwynn found space on the blindside to slide in for the score. The hosts also had a fast start to the second forty, scoring two minutes later.

Gabriel Mann put Trailfinders back into a commanding lead when he crashed over following a quick tap penalty.

A quick double from Chinnor brought them back to within one score heading into the final quarter of the match.

With ten minutes on the clock, replacements combined as Michael Dykes found a gap and Simpson danced his way down the touchline and crossed the whitewash.

Siya Ningiza powered over with three minutes to go to put Trailfinders back into a two-score lead.

As the clock ticked into red, Matt Cornish, with the help of a rolling maul, burrowed his way over the line to round off the win.

Full-time: Chinnor 34-59 Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders –

Tries: Scott Buckley 8, Jamie Carr 17, George Worboys 25, George Shaw 29, Geordie Gwynn 42, Gabriel Mann 50, Richie Simpson 74, Siya Ningiza 77, Matt Cornish 80

Conversions: George Worboys 9 18 26 30 51 78 80

Trailfinders Women help Fight For Sight campaign to sell eight tonnes of clothing

Trailfinders Women support Fight For Sight’s Ealing Fashion Drop campaign

Fight For Sight is a charity on a mission to Save Sight. Change Lives. They fund scientific and social research into vision loss and they have 14 charity shops across London, including one in Ealing Broadway.

Fight for Sight are always grateful for donations to their shops, but when an online retailer donated a huge 8 tonnes of new-with-tags fashion, it enabled them to do something really special in Ealing. Their Ealing Fashion Drop was set up with the aim of saving these clothes from landfill in four weeks.

To support this ambitious undertaking, some of our Trailfinders Women players went to the shop on Ealing Broadway, to check out the stock and support the campaign. Local sustainable stylist, Sarah Sole from Sourced Studio helped pick out some pieces for the players, who modelled their outfits at iconic locations around Ealing Broadway.

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby at the Club, said: 

“As a club, we believe our responsibilities within the community go far beyond the pitch. We want to lift up our community, and that means standing alongside the organisations that are making a real difference to people’s lives.

“Fight for Sight’s work is a huge contributor to supporting those living with sight loss, and we’re proud to play our part in raising awareness and backing their campaign.”

Phil Beavan, Director of Retail at Fight for Sight said:

“It was such a joy to have the players come down to Fight for Sight, Ealing. Their positivity and support brought a fantastic atmosphere to the shop and shows that these aren’t just professional sports people, they’re big-hearted members of our community. And of course, they all looked fabulous in the pieces they picked out for our shoot around Ealing Broadway!”

Trailfinders Women fly-half Isla Norman-Bell said:

“The community always shows up for us, and it’s important for us as a club to back the people and causes around us.

“Helping Fight for Sight raise awareness is a small way we can contribute to work that matters, and being involved is something that feels meaningful to us.”

Want to get new-with-label bargains and support the campaign yourself, which runs until Sunday 21st Sept)? Head down to the shop in Ealing Broadway at 2 The Broadway, London W5 2NH.

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Kyle Hatherell on London life and upcoming fixture against Chinnor

Back row Kyle Hatherell talks London life and the anticipation for a physical battle against Chinnor. 

Experienced back rower Hatherell signed for the Club ahead of the 2025/26. Born in South Africa, Hatherall grew up watching northern hemisphere rugby.

After playing his age-grade rugby with the Sharks in Durban, he has played at several northern hemisphere clubs in his adult career including Worcester Warriors, La Rochelle, and Leicester Tigers.

Hatherell can move between lock and back row but starts at eight in the first pre-season fixture against Chinnor.

“I’m really excited for this fixture,” Hatherell said.

“Pre-season has been tough. The standard of training has been really high, which I’ve enjoyed. Everyone’s working hard.

“There have been lot of long, hard training days, but it’s all building up so you can play rugby. To get an opportunity to play in the first game is great.”

 

“I don’t think you can ever simulate match fitness by not actually playing a game, but we’ve been working hard on and off the pitch.”

2025/26 is the second season that Chinnor are included in Champ Rugby. Hatherell is looking forward to a physical battle upfront on Friday night.

“I’d say most teams, especially from a forwards point of view, always want to be physical.

“We’re expecting some big collisions, which I quite enjoy. I think they’ll just be up for it just like we will. Chinnor have also been working hard, waiting for these days to come where we can actually play rugby.

“I’ve enjoyed the training and the environment so far so I’m looking to getting stuck in.”

Having relocated to west London from the East Midlands ahead of this season, as a coffee fanatic, Hatherell has been enjoying the diverse food and drink culture that London has to offer.

“I’ve moved around a fair bit with rugby but it’s been good. I’m enjoying London,” Hatherell said. “The setup at Ealing is really good as well.

“I like to branch out and try new places, but I wouldn’t really say that I’ve found a go-to coffee place yet. Especially having so many different places to explore. At the moment, I’m just picking a part of London, make my way there, and then find a good coffee shop.”

Whilst a coffee crawl is on his to-do list during his time-off from training, Hatherell has some places in mind to explore across the city.

“I have a list of all these viral places that I’d like to go to, and then on our days off, pick one and and see if it’s close enough.”

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Lineup: Chinnor vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders name their lineup to play preseason fixture against Chinnor.

Scott Buckley will lead the side from hooker in the first runout of the season. Elliot Chilvers and Adam Nicol pack down either side of him in the front row.

Matas Jurevicius and George Shaw are set to start in the second row.

Kyle Hatherell will pull on the Trailfinders jersey for the first time, starting at number eight. Jamie Carr and Siya Ningiza complete the back row.

Michael Stronge and George Worboys occupy the halfback positions.

The same centre partnership that finished last season, Geordie Gwynn and Francis Moore, will combine once again on Friday.

There’s a fresh look to the back three with new signings Toby Cousins and Deago Bailey on the wings. and Patrick Campbell is at fullback.

Summer recruits Gabriel Mann, Sam Edwards and Richie Simpson are amongst the replacements.

Kick-off is at 19:45 on Friday 12th September at Chinnor RFC.

Starting XV:

15. Patrick Campbell

14. Deago Bailey

13. Geordie Gwynn

12. Francis Moore

11. Toby Cousins

10. George Worboys

9. Michael Stronge

1. Elliot Chilvers

2. Scott Buckley (c)

3. Adam Nicol

4. Matas Jurevicius

5. George Shaw

6. Jamie Carr

7. Siya Ningiza

8. Kyle Hatherell

Replacements:

16. Matt Cornish

17. James Kenny

18. Kyle Whyte

19. Geordie Irvine

20. Gabriel Mann

21. Sam Edwards

22. Richie Simpson

23. Michael Dykes

24. Rob Farrar

Trailfinders Sign Experienced Centre Rory Scannell

Ealing Trailfinders are delighted to announce the signing of centre Rory Scannell. 

Scannell will bring a wealth of experience to Trailfinders. He joins from Munster having spent a decade with the Irish outfit, and he has three international caps for Ireland.

He played a key role as an experienced centre when Munster won the 2023 URC title, featuring 13 times throughout their league campaign.

Whilst Scannell primarily plays inside centre, he can move fluidly between fly-half and outside-centre, providing a range of options in the midfield.

On signing for the Club, Scannell said: 

“I’m excited about joining Ealing Trailfinders. There’s a great squad here with a mix of youth and experience.

“I’m hoping to add my own experience to the team and give our supporters plenty to cheer about for the season ahead.”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, said:

“Rory will bring a huge amount of experience to our squad this season. He’s a powerful ball carrier with good distribution and will give us options at fly-half and centre.

“Having been at Munster for the last decade, we’re looking forward to him bringing his knowledge and what he’s learnt from that environment to ours.”

Ealing Trailfinders Announce Club Captains for the 2025/26 Season

Ealing Trailfinders are delighted to announce that Angus Kernohan has been named as Club Captain. 

Kernohan, who joined the Club in 2020, has grown as a leader amongst the group throughout his five years with the Club.

Last season, Kernohan co-captained Trailfinders to their third Championship title alongside Ollie Newman.

In addition to Kernohan’s reappointment, Mike Willemse and Jordy Reid have been named as Club Vice-Captains.

Both bring a wealth of experience to the role, Reid is currently in his second stint at Trailfinders and Willemse has been a staple in the squad since joining from London Irish in 2023.

On being named as Club Captain, Kernohan said: 

“I’m delighted to be captain again this year, I really enjoyed last year and think we built a really strong group, I’m hoping we can continue to grow and improve.

“This is a great club which I’m proud to represent and hopeful for another successful season.”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, added: 

“Angus and Ollie did a brilliant job as Co-Club Captain’s last year and I really enjoyed working with them. Ollie is currently in rehab, and we wish him a fast return to the pitch. I’m delighted that Angus will continue in the role.

“Alongside him are vice-captains Jordy and Mike, and all three players have the respect of the players and backroom staff. They will each bring their own unique qualities to the role, and we’re all looking forward to them leading us this season into a new-look Championship.”

Match Round-up: Harlequins Women vs Trailfinders Women

Round 2 of the PWR Cup at Horsham RFC proved a physical contest for both sides. 

Harlequins had a strong start with a quick opening score and backed up with a second in the first quarter. A third try for the home side extended the scoreline but Trailfinders were not to be shut out.

A fantastic lineout by Niamh Swailes set the driving maul going. The hooker held onto the ball in the maul and went over the line for Trailfinders’ first try.

The women in yellow quickly backed the first try up with a score from Charlie Holland to take the score to 19-10.

A third try before halftime for Trailfinders scored by Niamh Gallagher and a successful conversion by Emma Taylor ensured that there were only two points in it at half-time.

Half-time: 19-17

The hosts started quickly in the second half but Trailfinders fronted up with strong defence. But Harlequins muscle there way to a fourth try early in the second half.

Trailfinders immediately responded with a try from Hayley Jones. Again, another strong lineout throw set Trailfinders up for another driving maul and their fourth try.

Harlequins continued to run the ball through the phases and be physical in defence. They were rewarded with two more tries in the second half.

Full-time: Harlequins Women 38-22 Trailfinders Women 

Trailfinders Women: 

Tries: Niamh Swailes 29, Charlie Holland 35, Niamh Gallagher 40, Hayley Jones 57.

Conversions: Emma Taylor 40

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