News - Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club

The Trail So Far returns for 2026/27

The Trail So Far returns for season two!

As part of last season’s Rugby Roots campaign, The Trail So Far delved into the origin stories of players across the Club.

Season One explored the Club centurion stories of Craig Hampson and Kyle Whyte, as well as Trailfinders Academy players TJ Fanolua and Grace White.

Season Two of the Trail So Far will continue to explore the rugby origins of the athletes and how they came to be a Trailfinder. The Trail So Far takes a deep dive into the players’ on and off-field journeys to where they find themselves in the present.

Stories in the campaign will roll throughout the 2026/27 season leading up to the Rugby Roots dedicated fixtures on the weekend commencing 20th March 2027.

Director of Rugby Ben Ward said:

‘The Trail So Far has previously highlighted the diverse journeys of our players’ routes into rugby. It celebrates the personalities and talents both on and off the field that we have in our organisation.

‘Not only is it great to show these diverse stories as a reflection of our environment, but for aspiring rugby players, these experiences show that success can be achieved in several formats.’

News

Brunel skipper Chris Johnson reflects on BSR campaign so far

Chris Johnson, captain of Brunel University’s BUCS Super Rugby side offers his reflections on the competition so far as the side head into Round Four.

Trailfinders Academy centre Johnson has led Brunel’s charge into their debut season in BUCS Super Rugby. Wins against Cardiff Met and Nottingham have put Brunel in the middle of the table rankings after the opening three rounds.

Johnson reflected on the experience so far.

‘It’s been a great experience and everything we hoped it would be. We are really looking forward to finishing this first block on a high.

‘We have some stand out players across the league who are dotted all across the team. They have consistently shown what they are about every week. It’s been really exciting and there’s still plenty more to come.’

The opening rounds of BSR was hosted at Trailfinders Sports Club, the home ground for the senior Trailfinders men’s and women’s teams.

‘It was great to have our first home game at the Trailfinders Sports Club under the lights with our supporters. We look forward to returning soon and putting out another performance.’

Brunel BUCS Super Rugby Double Header

This Wednesday, Brunel University host a double header at the Cemetery Pitch. Brunel Women return to BSR for their first match against Exeter, followed by Brunel Men hosting Cardiff.

‘Luckily, every game in this league is exciting but given I missed the first opportunity in round one, I can’t wait to welcome Cardiff to London.’

Core reflections

As captain and player in the side, Johnson has already done plenty of reflection about what he’s learnt about himself during the competition.

‘Finishing last year with an injury was not exactly how I planned the season to end. However, having the motivation of returning to BUCS Super Rugby and my final year at Brunel made it much easier to get through the challenging times with support of the team and staff.’

Players to Watch

There have been plenty of players in the Brunel squad that have impressed in the opening rounds of BSR. Johnson offered his thoughts on his peers who have displayed stand out performances so far.

‘I think everyone in the squad would agree Darren Low has been immense for us in every round so far and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. It’s hard to look past TJ Fanolua and Joe Baccarini who have physically set the tone for us.’

The BSR double header kicks-off on Wednesday 14 October with Brunel Women who face the University of Exeter at 4:30pm followed by Brunel Men who face Cardiff at 7pm. Both matches are being played at the Cemetery Pitch.

News

Match Report: Ealing Trailfinders vs Hartpury

An electrifying eleven-try win for Ealing Trailfinders sees them back in top four of the table.

Hartpury looked to make an impact early on in the match. They found attacking rhythm in the opening minutes of the game but Trailfinders blitzed in defence, two defenders taking down the influx of Hartpury attack.

The men in red entered Trailfinders’ 22, opting to use the width. A yellow card was shown to Deago Bailey for what the referee Ben Simpson deemed as a deliberate knock-on.

A kick from Hartpury was charged down by Trailfinders. Rory Scannell kicked the ball downfield for him and fly-half Louie Johnson to chase. Trailfinders entered Hartpury’s 22 for the first time as the clock edged into five minutes.

Simpson awarded Trailfinders a penalty. Johnson kicked to the corner. Mike Willemse threw straight and true. The forwards gathered and shifted into a driving maul for Willemse to get on the back of it to touch down for the opening score. Johnson’s conversion flew wide of the posts.

The men in green continued with the momentum. Physical in attack, Jake Morris carried through Hartpury defenders after an inside pass from Craig Hampson to score on the left. Another wide conversion meant that Trailfinders were up by ten points after the ten minute mark.

A knock-on in Trailfinders attack gave Hartpury the advantage. They kicked to touch, threw the lineout from the hands of George Knowles. Hartpury drove their maul forward. Yet, Ealing Trailfinders continued to disrupt and forced the knock-on.

After winning the scrum in their 22, Trailfinders continued their wave of attack. A pass out to Toby Cousins who worked off his wing, then slicing down the pitch, he passed it Morris who continued the forward run. Hartpury regrouped in defence but it was too late. Changing direction, the ball shifted right to Will Montgomery who powered through a Hartpury defender to score. Johnson added the conversion.

Trailfinders’ dominance in the set piece continued as the men in green drew a scrum penalty on the edge of Hartpury’s 22 as the clock headed into the second quarter. Trailfinders opted for the kick to touch, lineout into a driving maul. Willemse regathered the ball and went down the outside channel to spin into the try area and score for try number two of the afternoon. Johnson added the conversion.

The attacking wave continued. Trailfinders found another break. Johnson saw the gap in front of him, slicing down the left-hand channel. With the support of Hampson behind him, Johnson passed inside. The ball made it’s way out to the wing where Jake Morris got his hands on the ball for a second score. Johnson added the extras.

Hartpury looked to gain some leverage on the match. Quick speed of ball saw Hartpury get back into Trailfinders’ 22. But three Ealing defenders wrapped Ollie Holiday up and dragged him into touch just short of the try area.

A sixth try came from the lineout gather platform, sent left. Quicks hands from Hampson, to Scannell, to Moore saw the outside centre soar over under the posts. Johnson added the extras.

Hartpury continued to hunt for a score and it came good when Robbie Smith sliced through. The conversion by Harry Bazalgette was successful.

Half-time: Ealing Trailfinders 38-7 Hartpury

Hartpury started quick, entering Trailfinders’ 22 in the opening minutes. Yet, a valiant defensive effort from the men in green relieved some of the pressure and gave Trailfinders an attacking lineout.

Yet, Hartpury were determined to continue clutching onto momentum in the third quarter. Carrying from short range, the men in red carried into a wall of green. Knowles threw a clean lineout but a knock-on ball in the maul gave Trailfinders the advantage once more.

Simpson showed a yellow card to Hartpury’s Ollie Holiday for a deliberate knock-on after Trailfinders passed the ball out wide. Scannell kicked the ball into touch to take Trailfinders past halfway.

A penalty was awarded to Trailfinders as Hartpury refused to let Bobby De Wee roll away. Johnson put the ball into the corner.

The men in green shifted left to right, with Toby Cousins touching down in the corner for a brilliant score under pressure from Hartpury’s defence. Johnson slotted the conversion.

Francis Moore got on the scoreboard a second time after an intercept from Johnson, passed to Scannell then Moore saw him get over for Trailfinders’ eighth try of the match. Johnson continued his run of successful conversions.

The visitors kept searching for another score but Trailfinders adapted well in defence to keep them from the try area. With fifteen minutes to go, Trailfinders won a scrum penalty in their 22 to continue to take off the pressure applied by Hartpury.

After coming off the bench, Kyle Hatherell looked to make his impact and quickly did. After Deago Bailey carried the ball close to the tryline, short range moves saw the ball in Hatherell’s hands who drove over for a ninth try for Trailfinders. Scannell’s conversion was just to the left of the posts.

Hayden Hyde got the tenth try for Trailfinders, scoring in the right corner after Trailfinders dodged Hartpury defenders. Scannell added the extras.

One try was not enough for Hyde. He got his hands on the ball once more and scored under the posts. Scannell added the conversion.

Full-time: Ealing Trailfinders 71-7 Hartpury

Player of the Match: Francis Moore

Match Guide, Match Preview, News

Match programme: Ealing Trailfinders vs Hartpury

We are back at home this weekend to face Hartpury in round 4 of Elior Champ Rugby!

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

News

Team News: Ealing Trailfinders vs Hartpury

Ealing Trailfinders have named their squad to face Hartpury at Trailfinders Sports Club in Round Four of Elior Champ Rugby.

Director of Rugby Ben Ward has made seven changes to his team ahead of facing Hartpury on Sunday 11 October.

Kyle Whyte and George Davis join captain Mike Willemse in the front row.

Bobby De Wee starts with Freddie Stevenson in the second row.

After coming off the bench in round three, Fyn Brown starts in the back row to start alongside Jordy Reid in the flanks. Will Montgomery remains at eight.

Craig Hampson and Louie Johnson both retain their places at scrum-half and fly-half respectively.

Rory Scannell returns to the starting lineup at inside centre, alongside Francis Moore, who moves over to outside centre.

Toby Cousins and Deago Bailey start on the wings with Jake Morris covering at full back.

The bench includes a 6-2 split, with Matt Cornish, Sam Grahamslaw, Adam Nicol, Emeka Atuanya, Kyle Hatherell, and Gabe Mann filling the forwards cohort.

Michael Stronge and Hayden Hyde complete the squad.

Kick off is at 4pm, Sunday 11th October.

BUY TICKETS

Starting XV

15. Jake Morris

14. Deago Bailey

13. Francis Moore

12. Rory Scannell

11. Toby Cousins

10. Louie Johnson

9. Craig Hampson

1. Kyle Whyte

2. Mike Willemse (C)

3. George Davis

4. Bobby De Wee

5. Freddie Stevenson

6. Fyn Brown

7. Jordy Reid

8. Will Montgomery

REPLACEMENTS

16. Matt Cornish

17. Sam Grahamslaw

18. Adam Nicol

19. Emeka Atuanya

20. Kyle Hatherell

21. Gabriel Mann

22. Michael Stronge

23. Hayden Hyde

News, Women's News

MATCH REPORT: TRAILFINDERS WOMEN VS HARLEQUINS

Trailfinders Women record their biggest victory in three years, as the battle for West London saw the Green and White’s of Ealing come out on top after a rampant display, culminating in a 72-12 win.

Trailfinders set the tone early, with an early Maul try from Amanda McQuade. Just four minutes later, Jess Cooksey sped over the line to dot down after a quick ball out to the wing from Rosie Inman to extend the gap to ten points after just eight minutes played.

The tries kept coming, as Harlequins had no answer for the dominance of the Trailfinders driving maul. This time it was Scotland U20’s Scarlet Down who crashed over following a powerful surge from the forward pack.

On the 29-minute-mark, it was time for Ruby Tui to open her account for the Club, as Bo Westcombe Evans broke the defensive line and threw an offload from the floor perfectly into the World Cup Winner’s hands for her to dive over for the score in the corner. Rosie Inman expertly added the extras from out wide to take the score to 22-0 in favour of the Home side.

Just five minutes later, assist maker turned scorer as Westcombe Evans received the ball from Jess Cooksey to speed past the opposition Fullback and cross the line for the score.

Quins weren’t going down without a fight however, as Maja Meuller answered back with a score from a driving maul of their own. Ella Cromack converted to bring the score to 27-7 with 36 minutes played.

Ruby Tui saw a yellow card on the 38-minute-mark for a high tackle on Solana Shaw De Leon. Quins capitalised on this, scoring through Joy Okechukwu just before the teams headed into the sheds. Cromack added the extras and the scoreline read 27-12 in favour of the Home side at Halftime.

HALFTIME SCORE: TRAILFINDERS 27-12 HARLEQUINS

Trailfinders started the Second-half with the same intent that they started the first with, as Red Rose Hayley Jones profited from another excellent driving maul following her pinpoint lineout throw to Jas Adonri. Inman added the extras to widen the points margin yet again.

Quins were looking to apply some pressure with some good phases in the Trailfinders 22′, but Rosie Inman pounced with perfect timing to intercept Ella Cromack’s pass and run in an 80 yard try. She converted her own try to bring the scoreline to 41-12 on what was becoming the perfect afternoon on her 50th Cap for the Club.

Red Rose flyer Westcombe Evans was shortly in again, as she scythed through the defence and brought the try tally up to eight for Trailfinders. Inman converted again.

Harlequins answered back through Sarah Parry who grubbered through and regathered well to score under the posts.

On the 63-minute-mark, Canadian international Cassandra Tuffnail sped in under the posts after a deft handover from Tanya Kalounivale. Inman converted to bring the scoreline to 55-19.

Just four minutes later, Westcombe Evans brought up her hattrick after a sensational move which saw a crossfield kick from Inman tipped back expertly by Tui into the hands of the onrushing winger. (Watch here!)

McQuade grabbed another, following an expert throw to Gabby Brown leading to the driving maul going over.

Ruby Tui rounded off proceedings with a swan dive finish, having beaten two defenders to run in untouched under the sticks.

The record win takes Maddison’s side to two wins from two games in the JAECOO PWR Next Gen Cup with a trip to Gloucester-Hartpury on the horizon (18th October).

FINAL SCORE: TRAILFINDERS 72-19 HARLEQUINS

Try Scorers

Trailfinders: McQuade (4′, 72′), Cooksey (8′), Down (16′), Tui (29′, 78′), Westcombe Evans (Hattrick, 33′, 58′, 67′), H Jones (49′), Inman (56′), Tuffnail (63′)

Harlequins: Meuller (36′), Okechukwu (40′), Parry (60′)

Conversions made

Trailfinders: Inman (29′, 49′, 56′, 58′, 63′, 78′)

Harlequins: Cromack (40′, 60′)

Conversions missed

Trailfinders: Inman (4′, 8′, 16′, 33′, 67′, 72′)

Harlequins: Cromack (36′)

News

MATCH REPORT: CORNISH PIRATES VS EALING TRAILFINDERS

Cornish Pirates hosted Ealing Trailfinders at the Mennaye Field in Round Three of Elior Champ Rugby, with the home side winning in the final play of the game.

Trailfinders flew out of the blocks at the start of the first half, putting Cornish Pirates under pressure and earning a penalty. From the lineout Trailfinders picked and went off of repeated rucks, before Louie Johnson pulled the trigger and span the ball wide to Fionn Gibbons, who went over in the corner for our opening try. Johnson nailed the conversion to extend our lead to seven points.

Cornish pirates soon levelled the scores, going in for a try under the posts to ensure an easy conversion.

On the stroke of 20 minutes Cornish Pirates took the lead, scoring in the corner from a lineout move and adding the conversion.

Strong interplay down the left wing between debutant Jacob Morris and Gibbons put Francis Moore away for our second try, and Johnson drew the scores level with a sublime touchline conversion.

After extensive pressure Cornish Pirates added their third converted try to make the score 21-14.

As the clock ticked towards half-time, Trailfinders turned the screw, picking and going through the middle, before Kyle Hatherell crashed over from the base of the ruck. From out in front Johnson added the extras, and the referee blew his whistle for half-time.

Half-Time: Cornish Pirates 21-21 Ealing Trailfinders

Trailfinders spent the start of the second half on the back foot, putting in a dogged defensive set before Cornish Pirates burst through to take the lead via a converted try.

Trailfinders didn’t let their heads drop after conceding, forcing a knock on off the ensuing restart and regaining possession with an attacking scrum. Toby Cousins gave us momentum with a brutal carry, pumping his legs and refusing to go to ground. Trailfinders span the ball wide and Johnson threw another try scoring pass to Gibbons for his second try of the match. However Johnson couldn’t add the extra two points from a tough angle.

Down by two points Trailfinders attacked the Cornish Pirates line with renewed vigour, eventually forcing a penalty and kicking to the corner. Trailfinders secured possession and chose to maul, with Matt Cornish coming away with a try as the maul drive rumbled over. From the touchline Johnson struck a pinpoint conversion, extending Trailfinders’ lead to five points.

The men in green produced a heroic defensive effort at the death as Cornish Pirates threw everything they had into a final attack, but the home side eventually found a gap and equalised the scores, before adding a conversion to take the lead as the final whistle brought an end to proceedings.

Full-Time: Cornish Pirates 35-33 Ealing Trailfinders

News

Ealing Half Marathon weekend raises over £4,000 for the Foundation

Ealing Trailfinders were out in force at the Ealing Half Marathon weekend of 26th and 27th September. The event has become one of the biggest weekends in the borough’s calendar, bringing thousands of runners and spectators onto the streets of Ealing, and the Club had a presence across both days. Thanks to our runners and the activities we put on, the weekend raised £4,229.83 for the Ealing Trailfinders Foundation.

Things got going on Saturday with the Trailfinders Ealing Mini Mile, which the Club was pleased to support through our Community team. The Mini Mile gives younger runners the chance to experience race day for themselves, with their own start line, course and finish. Bruno, the Club mascot, lined up with the children and ran the course alongside them, which went down well with the young runners and their parents.

On Sunday, back rower Conor Oliver set the Half Marathon field off as official starter, giving the runners a send-off from one of the Club’s first team squad. Staff and trustees of the Foundation then ran the 13.1 miles to raise money for the charity, among them Ian Isham, Head of Community and Foundation. Training for a half marathon means months of early mornings and long weekend runs, and the support from colleagues, friends and family along the route made a real difference on the day.

Away from the course, the Club’s inflatable rugby posts and the Foundation’s BlazePod reaction challenge were running throughout the weekend. The posts gave children and adults the chance to practise their passing and kicking skills, while the BlazePod challenge tested how quickly people could react to a set of light-up pods. Plenty of runners and spectators stopped to have a go, and donations from those taking part added to the weekend’s total.

Every penny raised goes back into the Foundation’s projects (https://ealingtrailfinders.org.uk/the-ealing-trailfinders-foundation/foundation-projects/), which use rugby and sport to support health, wellbeing and inclusion for people of all ages across Ealing and further afield. Money raised at events like this helps us keep those programmes running and develop new ones where we see a need.

All of this came ahead of a 36-19 home win over Richmond at Trailfinders Sports Ground, which rounded off a good weekend for the Club. If you missed it, the next home match is against Hartpury on Sunday 11 October, and tickets are available here. Before that, Trailfinders Women take on Harlequins in a West London derby in the JAECOO PWR Cup tomorrow – Saturday, 3 October. Tickets for that one are here.

Thank you to everyone who sponsored our runners or came along to support. You helped make it a brilliant weekend.

News, Team Lineup

Team News: Cornish Pirates vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders have named their side ahead of Round Three of Elior Champ Rugby.

Ben Ward has named seven changes in his side ahead of facing Cornish Pirates at Mennaye Field on Saturday 3 October.

Scott Buckley returns to the squad as skipper. Sam Grahamslaw and Adam Nicol join him in the front row.

Bobby De Wee and Emeka Atuanya start in the second row.

Familiar faces return to the Trailfinders back row: Kyle Hatherell starts at blindside flanker; Jordy Reid starts at openside. Will Montgomery is eightman.

Craig Hampson and Louie Johnson link up in the halfbacks.

Hayden Hyde returns to start at outside centre with Francis Moore on his inside.

A Club debut for Jake Morris sees him start at fullback. He is joined in the back three by Toby Cousins and Fionn Gibbons.

In a 5-3 bench split, Matt Cornish has been named as replacement hooker after getting back on the pitch in Round Two for the first time in nine months. Other inclusions on the bench are Freddie Stevenson, Fyn Brown, and Rory Scannell.

Kick-off is at 3pm, Saturday 3 October.

Can’t make the journey to Cornwall? Watch the game live on ClubberTV.

Starting XV

15. Jake Morris

14. Fionn Gibbons

13. Hayden Hyde

12. Francis Moore

11. Toby Cousins

10. Louie Johnson

9. Craig Hampson

1. Sam Grahamslaw

2. Scott Buckley (C)

3. Adam Nicol

4. Bobby De Wee

5. Emeka Atuanya

6. Kyle Hatherell

7. Jordy Reid

8. Will Montgomery

REPLACEMENTS

16. Matt Cornish

17. Kyle Whyte

18. George Davis

19. Freddie Stevenson

20. Fyn Brown

21. Rory Scannell

22. Michael Stronge

23. Deago Bailey

News, Women's News

TRAILFINDERS LINEUP VS HARLEQUINS

Following on from Trailfinders Women’s second-half comeback to secure the win against Bristol Bears a fortnight ago in Round 1 of the JAECOO PWR Next Gen Cup, Head Coach Barney Maddison has named his match-day 23 for the first Home game of the 2026/27 season.

There are two young and exciting Props packing down in the front-row in the form of Annabel Meta and Lauren Manners. They will spearhead the scrum from either side of Amanda Mcquade who will start the match at Hooker.

Teya Ashworth has shown her value to the team throughout Pre-season and the initial cup fixture with a strong performance away against Bristol Bears. She earns the starting number Four shirt and is joined in the Second-row by Brunel University product Jas Adonri.

Red Rose Haidee Head re-joins the team from England’s WXV squad and comes in to the starting lineup at Blindside Flanker. Jade Betsen gets the nod at Openside, having impressed with a physical display two weeks ago. World-Cup-Winner Alana Borland skippers the side from Number Eight and will be looking to bring her usual experience and world-class quality to proceedings.

Brunelian Sophie Molton will be looking to inject some pace in to the game from Scrum-half, whilst her halfback partner Rosie Inman is in line for her 50th Cap this week. Inman is only the second Trailfinders Women’s player to reach this milestone, the first being Ella Amory who also reached it against Harlequins in a win at Twickenham Stoop last season on Trailfinders’ march to the 2025/26 PWR Final.

Versatile back Charlotte Brookes features at Inside centre. She’s joined in the midfield by Jess Cooksey at Thirteen.

Bo Westcombe Evans gets her first outing at Fullback following a strong debut on the wing for the Club. Isla Apiafi comes in to the starting fold at number Eleven with rugby royalty Ruby Tui accompanying her on the other wing at Fourteen.

The Replacements feature some real quality, with the likes of Tanya Kalounivale poised to make a big impact when she enters the field. Lily Pereira Dos Santos is also at Maddison’s disposal, having recently come away with a four-try-haul against Richmond in a behind closed doors training match.

The match kicks off at 3pm on Saturday the 3rd October at Trailfinders Sports Club, with tickets still available here.