Ealing Trailfinders name their lineup to face Bedford Blues in Round 17 of the Championship at the Trailfinders Sports Club.

Ben Ward makes nine changes to the starting XV that beat London Scottish a week ago.

It’s all change in the front-row as Lefty Zigiriadis, Mike Willemse and Biyi Alo all start.

David Bridge starts at second-row for the first time this season. He is joined by Sean Lonsdale.

Josh Taylor moves to number eight, Jordy Reid keeps his position and Rob Farrar comes back into the back-row.

The half-back pairing is unchanged with Craig Hampson lining up next to Dan Jones.

Jordan Holgate retains his position and is partnered with Reuben Bird-Tulloch in the centres.

Tobi Wilson starts at fullback once again. Tom Collins and Angus Kernohan come into the team.

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Ealing Trailfinders to face Bedford Blues:

1. Lefty Zigiriadis
2. Mike Willemse
3. Biyi Alo
4. David Bridge
5. Sean Lonsdale
6. Rob Farrar
7. Jordy Reid
8. Josh Taylor
9. Craig Hampson
10. Dan Jones
11. Tom Collins
12. Jordan Holgate
13. Reuben Bird-Tulloch
14. Angus Kernohan
15. Tobi Wilson
16. Scott Buckley
17. Elliot Chilvers
18. Adam Nicol
19. Matas Jurevicius
20. Siya Ningiza
21. Michael Stronge
22. Craig Willis
23. Francis Moore

We are excited to confirm that Rori Wood has signed an extension with the club ahead of the new season.

The 25-year-old Canadian international, who earned her first senior cap for Canada against Ireland in October 2024, has quickly established herself as a dynamic presence in the tight-five since joining midway through last season.

Wood made an immediate impact upon arrival, scoring three tries in as many games. Her standout performance came in January, where she crossed the line twice in a thrilling match against eventual champions Gloucester-Hartpury Women, showcasing her ability in both the scrum and open play.

A native of British Columbia, Wood brings a strong physical presence and technical expertise to the forward pack, adding a valuable dimension to the team’s play.

Speaking on her extension, Wood said:

“I’m very excited to have re-signed with Trailfinders. I’ve felt at home here from the start – the environment, the team of coaches, and everyone around the club have been brilliant. I love being a part of it, and I know it’s the right place for me to keep growing as a player and a person.

I’m looking forward to this next season and I can’t wait to see what is in store for us.”

Head Coach, Barney Maddison, added:

“Rori came in just after Christmas and immediately helped solidify our set-piece.

“She’s an outstanding player and an even better individual, with a huge career ahead of her. We’re excited to have her back for another season and see her continue to develop.

Congratulations to Trailfinders Pathway student athletes Hayley Jones (Henley College), Holly Jackson (Cardinal Newman), Isla Pomroy (City of Oxford), Summer Charlesworth (City of Oxford), Jo Vosakiwaiwai (City of Oxford), and Josephine Harris (City of Oxford) who have all been selected for England to face Italy and Ireland on Matchday 1 of the U18 Women’s Six Nations Festival 2025 at Wellington College. 

Scarlett Down (Cardinal Newman), and Mary Rudd (Henley College) have been selected for Scotland, and Lucia Dickinson (Cardinal Newman) has been selected for Ireland. We wish everyone selected the best of luck through the festival.

Supporters can stream the U18 Festival live on the Six Nations U20 YouTube channel, with tickets available at all three match days of the women’s festival free of charge.

We are delighted to announce that scrum-half Brooke Bradley has signed a contract extension, reinforcing her commitment to the club.

Since joining from Exeter Chiefs, Bradley has brought experience and composure to the squad, having made 57 appearances for the Chiefs and winning two Allianz Cups during her time there.

A versatile and intelligent playmaker, she has also featured at full-back, showcasing her skill set across the backline.

Bradley previously played for Worcester Warriors before establishing herself at Exeter. Her performances earned her a call-up to the Red Roses’ Six Nations training squad in 2024, having already represented England at U20 level.

Currently sidelined with a hamstring injury since October, Bradley is working hard on her return to action and is eager to make an impact when back on the pitch.

Reflecting on her new deal, Bradley said:

“I’m really excited to be staying at Trailfinders Women. It’s been a frustrating time with injury, but I feel really supported here, and I can’t wait to get back out there with the squad and contribute to what we’re building.”

Head Coach, Barney Maddison, added:

“Brooke has had a tough year with injury, but the impact she has on the squad is massive. She’s an integral part of the team, both on and off the pitch, and we’re delighted she’s staying with us. We’re looking forward to seeing her back out there soon.”

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Fraser Brown as Scrum Coach for both Ealing Trailfinders and Trailfinders Women.

A former Scotland international, Brown brings a wealth of top-level playing and coaching experience to the club. 

At the club level, Brown had an outstanding tenure with Glasgow Warriors, making 141 appearances over 12 seasons. 

He was a key figure in the squad’s historic Guinness PRO12 title-winning campaign in 2014/15, when Glasgow became the first Scottish club to lift major silverware.

On the international stage, Brown earned 61 caps for Scotland, representing his country at multiple levels. 

After captaining the U20 side in the 2009 Six Nations, he won his first senior cap against Italy. 

He went on to play in both the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups, featuring in all nine matches across the two tournaments. 

He reached a personal milestone in 2020, earning his 50th cap in a Six Nations victory over France, before captaining Scotland later that year against Georgia at Murrayfield.

Since transitioning into coaching, Brown has built a strong reputation in the forwards and set-piece departments. 

While still playing for Glasgow, he took on a coaching role with Super Series side Watsonians, specialising in forwards and breakdown work. 

He has also worked with Warriors’ women’s side and was brought in as a consultant coach for Scotland Women.

Now, as he embarks on this new chapter at Trailfinders, Brown is eager to pass on his expertise and continue his pursuit of success in a coaching capacity.

Speaking on his appointment, Brown said:

“I’m really excited to be joining Ealing Trailfinders. The club has big ambitions, and I’m looking forward to helping develop the set-piece across both the men’s and women’s teams.

The opportunity to work across both teams, to be able to work with and develop the players every day, and to continue to grow my own abilities as a coach is something I’m thoroughly looking forward to.”

Director of Rugby, Ben Ward said:

“Fraser is a key appointment for the club. He brings elite-level experience and real pedigree in the set-piece. He is currently working with some of our players in the Six Nations with Scotland, and his expertise will be an invaluable asset and be a great benefit to both our men’s and women’s sides.

We’re looking forward to welcoming Fraser to the Club after the tournament.”