Ealing Trailfinders name their lineup to face Hartpury in Round 22 of the Championship at the 4ED Hartpury Stadium.

Ben Ward makes nine changes to the starting XV that lifted the trophy at Trailfinders Sports Club last week.

It’s all change in the front-row, with Elliot Chilvers and Kabous Bezuidenhout packing down either side of Scott Buckley at hooker.

Matas Jurevicius retains his spot in the engine room and debutant George Shaw partners him.

Josh Taylor will move from the bench to captain the team from blindside, Siya Ningiza starts at openside, and David Bridge is at number eight this week.

Michael Stronge and George Worboys start in the halfback positions.

Trailfinders Rugby Academy graduate Geordie Gwynn makes his debut at outside centre, Francis Moore is inside him.

Max Bodilly starts at full-back, in what will be his final game for the club. Michael Dykes and Angus Kernohan complete the back three.

Recent signing Jamie Carr is in line to make his debut from the bench.

Ealing Trailfinders lineup to face Hartpury:

1. Elliot Chilvers
2. Scott Buckley
3. Kabous Bezuidenhout
4. Matas Jurevicius
5. George Shaw
6. Josh Taylor (c)
7. Siya Ningiza
8. David Bridge
9. Michael Stronge
10. George Worboys
11. Michael Dykes
12. Francis Moore
13. Geordie Gwynn
14. Angus Kernohan
15. Max Bodilly
16. Matt Cornish
17. James Kenny
18. George Davis
19. Ehize Ehizode
20. Jamie Carr
21. Craig Hampson
22. Tobi Wilson
23. Dan Jones

Ealing Trailfinders can confirm the players departing the Club upon the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.

After a campaign that saw us lift a second successive Championship title, Max Bodilly, Nathan Earle, Lloyd Williams, Epi Rokodrava, Ehize Ehizode, Simon Uzokwe and Sam Clark will leave the Club.

We would like to thank each departing player for their contributions over the course of the campaign and indeed during their time with us. 

We also extend a special thanks to Max Bodilly, who has made 67 appearances so far since joining from Exeter Chiefs in 2020. Known for his rugby intelligence and versatility – capable of playing anywhere in the backline – he has been a consistent and dependable performer in Green & White. We are also delighted to confirm that Max will transition into a coaching role at the Club, working across both our men’s and women’s programmes.

Further notable recognition must be given to Simon Uzokwe, who departs having made 71 appearances for the Club. A powerful and committed presence on the pitch, Simon contributed to another historic year for the Club, having already been central to our silverware collection.

Director of Rugby, Ben Ward said:

“As the end of the season draws to a close and achievements are rightly celebrated, it also signals a time where we regrettably have to say goodbye to some members of the group.”

“I’d like to put on record a huge thank you to the playing group who have been outstanding throughout the season, and who together have delivered a second successive Championship. I’m so proud of each of them and are grateful for their individual contributions to the team.

“A special mention must be given to Simon Uzokwe and Max Bodilly. Zok has made a big impression since joining us and was an integral part of our first ever Championship title.”

“I’m also delighted that Max will be joining our coaching team at the Club, and that will see him work across our men’s and women’s programmes. Max has a great rugby brain, and we can’t wait to see what he can bring to the table.”

“Amidst the celebrations this Saturday, I’m certain our supporters will join us in showing our collective appreciation for our departing players especially and help us give them the send-off they each deserve.”