,

Match Guide | Championship Cup Semi-Final: Doncaster Knights (H)

It’s time for some knockout rugby, as we host Doncaster Knights in the semi-final of the Championship Cup.

CHAMPIONSHIP CUP – SEMI-FINAL

Date: Saturday 6th May

Kick-Off: 3pm

Location: Trailfinders Sports Club

Tickets: Available from £16 – click here to purchase

Coverage: Live coverage of the game will be available via our Twitter feed

ABOUT THE OPPOSITION:

After pushing us all the way in the title race last year, Doncaster haven’t seen as many results go their way this season, but are still a force to be reckoned with.

After mixed results around Christmas and the new year, the Knights rebound their form in January with important wins over Richmond and Nottingham.

They then almost became the first side to end Bedford Blues’ unbeaten home run, when they drew 42-42 in the Championship Cup at the end of February.

On the return to league action, tight losses against Coventry, Jersey Reds and Cornish Pirates could have dampened their spirits, but they regularly hit back with good results against London Scottish and then Caldy a fortnight ago.

The two sides faced each other last weekend, but with each team rotating some players, no one knows what to expect this weekend.

LAST TIME WE MET:

With the two teams facing last weekend, this round up should be more familiar than most!

After a physical first ten minutes, Luke Daniels was able to get over in the corner for the Trailfinders following great build-up play from the forwards.

A Robbie Smith double then edged the hosts in front, but as the first half clock ticked down, Simon Uzokwe made a great break through the centre of the field. The openside raced away, before drawing the last man and offloading to Bobby De Wee to allow the lock to score under the sticks to make the half-time score 14-14.

In the second 40, the visitors came out of the blocks firing. De Wee completed his brace on the 46 minute mark, before Reuben Bird-Tulloch slipped through a hole in the Doncaster defensive line ten minutes later.

With fifteen minutes left to play, Will Davis came off the bench to barge his way over to score the fifth and final try and make the final score Doncaster Knights 14-35 Ealing Trailfinders.

FORM GUIDE:

Doncaster Knights

L: Doncaster Knights 14-35 Ealing Trailfinders (Saturday 29th April)

W: Caldy 7-38 Doncaster Knights (Saturday 22nd April)

W: Doncaster Knights 13-14 Cornish Pirates (Saturday 15th April)

Ealing Trailfinders:

W: Doncaster Knights 14-35 Ealing Trailfinders (Saturday 29th April)

Click here to watch match highlights.

L: Jersey Reds 19-13 Ealing Trailfinders (Saturday 22nd April)

Click here to watch match highlights.

W: Ealing Trailfinders 73-14 Caldy (Saturday 15th April)

Click here to watch match highlights.

OFFICIALS:


Referee: Harry Walbaum

AR1: Alex Thomas

AR2: Mike Woods

Team News: Doncaster Knights (A)

For the final time in the league this season, Ealing Trailfinders their team for their trip to face Doncaster Knights.

Up front, Shaun Malton and Lewis Thiede both come into the starting team to partner James Gibbons in the front-row.

Andrew Davidson will lead the team from the second-row as he packs down alongside David O’Connor in the engine room.

The back-row sees Adam Korczyk shift to the blindside, while Simon Uzokwe and Will Montgomery come in to start on the openside and at number eight respectively.

There is a change at halfback and in the midfield, as Dan Lancaster comes in at fly-half alongside Craig Hampson, while Reuben Bird-Tulloch partners Max Bodilly in the centres.

The back-three sees Cian Kelleher come in at fullback, alongside Nathan Earle and Luke Daniels on the wings.

The bench sees Cam Terry, Jimmy Roots, Bobby De Wee and Ollie Newman all recalled to the match day squad.

If you are coming to Castle Park tomorrow you can get your tickets here. If you can’t make the trip up, the game is being live streamed for free on the Championship website.

Ealing Trailfinders team to travel to Doncaster:

 

15. Cian Kelleher

14. Luke Daniels

13. Max Bodilly

12. Reuben Bird-Tulloch

11. Nathan Earle

10. Dan Lancaster

9. Craig Hampson

1. James Gibbons

2. Shaun Malton

3. Lewis Thiede

4. David O’Connor

5. Andrew Davidson

6. Adam Korczyk

7. Simon Uzokwe

8. Will Montgomery

Replacements

 

16. Cam Terry

17. Will Davis

18. Jimmy Roots

19. Bobby De Wee

20. Ollie Newman

21. Jordan Burns

22. Steven Shingler

23. Jack Digby

Welcome Billy Twelvetrees

Ealing Trailfinders are delighted to announce the signing of Billy Twelvetrees ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The fly-half/ centre will depart Gloucester at the end of the season after making over 270 appearances for the Cherry & Whites over an 11-year period.

Twelvetrees arrived in the West Country in 2012 on the back of winning the Premiership with Leicester Tigers and hit the ground running, as he earned himself an England call-up ahead of the 2013 Six Nations.

He made the dream debut, as he scored against Scotland as England won the Calcutta Cup at Twickenham. His impressive display during the Championship saw him go on tour to Argentina in that summer, where he made one appearance before being drafted into Warren Gatland’s British & Irish Lions squad in Australia.

Quickly becoming a fan favourite at Kingsholm, Twelvetrees was named Gloucester Rugby’s Club Captain ahead of the 2014-15 season, leading the side to a second European Challenge Cup title at the end of that year.

Last year he notched up his 250th appearance for the club and this season he has currently played in a further 16 games, including a memorable performance in La Rochelle as he pulled the strings from fly-half as Gloucester almost knocked out the reigning champions had it not been for a late try from the hosts.

On joining the club, Billy Twelvetrees said: “When the opportunity to join an ambitious club like Ealing Trailfinders came up, it was one I was really excited to take.

“I’m still loving playing rugby and being around that team environment and so I’m hungry to help get the club into the highest league possible and I can’t wait to get stuck in with the boys in preseason.”

Director of Rugby Ben Ward said: “To have a player of Billy’s quality and experience coming to TFSC next season is really exciting.

“He is a quality operator who can play at 10, 12 or 13 and his passion for the game and to keep playing and keep performing means we have no doubt he’ll be a great addition to the club.”

Thank You Carlo

Ealing Trailfinders can confirm that Carlo Tizzano has left the club to take up an exciting opportunity in Super Rugby with the Western Force.

The back-row joined the Trailfinders in July last year after impressing for the NSW Waratahs in Super Rugby.

Tizzano leaves Trailfinders Sports Club with a very impressive try scoring record of 17 scores in 16 games and he currently sits joint-top of the Championship try scoring charts.

On his departure, Director of Rugby Ben Ward said: “Although Carlo is a player we didn’t want to loose, the opportunity for him to return to his hometown club the Western Force was too good for him to turn down.

“He’s made a real impact at the club this year and he leaves with our blessing and we’re all looking forward to seeing how he kicks on in Super Rugby over the next couple of years.”

Premiership Rugby Cup to include Championship sides in 2023-24 season

Premiership Rugby, the RFU and the Championship clubs are delighted to confirm the format for next year’s Premiership Cup.

The Gallagher Premiership Rugby clubs will face the RFU Championship sides – with the competition kicking-off on September 8, 2023.

The pool stages will take place over five consecutive weekends from the weekends of 8-10 September to 6-8 October with the semi-finals held over 9-11 February and the final over the weekend of 15-17 March.

The 24 teams will be split into four pools of six – based on league standings at the end of the current 2022/23 season.

Phil Winstanley, Premiership Rugby’s Rugby Director said: “It is many years since the Premiership and Championship Clubs clashed in a Cup competition.

The Championship performs a crucial role within the English game and we’re looking forward to renewing some rivalries of old. With the Rugby World Cup taking place in France, this competition will no doubt provide the best, young English talent with an opportunity to stake a claim in squads before the start of the Gallagher Premiership campaign.”

Connor O’Shea, RFU Executive Director of Performance Rugby said: “We’re really pleased to confirm that next season’s Premiership Cup will include both the Premiership and Championship clubs and are excited to see this new format come to fruition and form part of the longer-term solution for the game.

Steve Lloyd, Chair of the Championship Clubs Committee said: “The new Cup format is the result of great collaboration between the Championship, RFU and Premiership Rugby. The clubs are delighted with the opportunity a different format brings as well as the experience of playing Premiership sides and the opportunity to welcome new fans into our clubs and grow our audiences.”

 

,

Match Guide: Doncaster Knights (A)

As we reach the final round of this year’s Championship season, we’ll be ending it in the same way we started it, against Doncaster Knights.

RFU CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 22

Date: Saturday 29th April

Kick-Off: 2.30pm

Location: Castle Park, Doncaster

Tickets: Available from £15 – click here to purchase

Coverage: Live coverage of the game will be available via our Twitter feed or you can watch the free live stream via the Championship Rugby Website.

ABOUT THE OPPOSITION:

After pushing us all the way in the title race last year, although Doncaster haven’t seen as many results go their way this season, they are still a force to be reckoned with.

After mixed results around Christmas and the new year, the Knights refound their form in January with important wins over Richmond and Nottingham.

They then almost became the first side to end Bedford Blues’ unbeaten home run this season, when they drew 42-42 in the Championship Cup at the end of February.

On the return to league action, tight losses against Coventry, Jersey Reds and Cornish Pirates could have dampened their spirits, but they regularly hit back with good results against London Scottish and then against Caldy last weekend.

This weekend’s trip to Castle Park will be our first of two encounters against the Knights in a fortnight, as in a week’s time Doncaster will travel down to TFSC for the Championship Cup semi-final.

LAST TIME WE MET:

Last time we faced Doncaster was on the opening day of the season at TFSC. In the aftermath of Her Majesty the Queen’s sad passing, there was a minute silence before kick off before the match got underway.

After a cagey opening, Craig Willis managed to muscle over in the corner after 20 minutes, but this was quickly cancelled out by George Simpson scoring an impressive solo try as the visitors edged into the lead.

On the stroke half-time, a cynical penalty from Simpson saw him yellow carded and Willis slotted the penalty to make the score at the break: Ealing Trailfinders 8-7 Doncaster Knights.

In the second 40, the Trailfinders flew out of the blocks and inside the first ten minutes Rayn Smid crossed after getting on the end of a beautiful Willis cross field kick.

Ten minutes later we were in again as a powerful rolling maul gained field position before a beautifully delayed pass saw Jack Metcalf go in under the posts.

With 20 minutes to go Doncaster looked to have the momentum, but we did well to restrict them to only one penalty.

With the clock in the red, we were in desperate search of a fourth score and the try bonus point. After failing to score initially, the team recycled and Carlo Tizzano popped up on his debut to dot down and complete the victory.

FORM GUIDE:

Doncaster Knights

W: Caldy 7-38 Doncaster Knights (Saturday 22nd April)

L: Doncaster Knights 13-14 Cornish Pirates (Saturday 15th April)

L: Doncaster Knights 24-52 Jersey Reds (Saturday 8th April)

Ealing Trailfinders:

L: Jersey Reds 19-13 Ealing Trailfinders (Saturday 22nd April)

Click here to watch match highlights.

W: Ealing Trailfinders 73-14 Caldy (Saturday 15th April)

Click here to watch match highlights.

W: Bedford Blues 31-40 Ealing Trailfinders (Saturday 1st April)

Click here to watch match highlights.

MATCH OFFICIALS

 

Referee: Andrew Jackson

AR1: Hamish Smales

AR2: Simon Park

,

Team Line-up: Jersey Reds (A)

Ealing Trailfinders have named an exciting team ahead of tomorrow’s huge top of the table encounter on the island!

Up front, James Gibbons comes in to link up with Alun Walker and George Davis.

There is also a change in the engine room, as David O’Connor starts alongside captain Barney Maddison.

In the back-row, Rob Farrar and Jack Digby continue at blindside and number 8 respectively, while Adam Korczyk comes in on the openside.

The backline remains entirely unchanged from last weekend’s big 73-14 victory over Caldy at TFSC. This means it’ll be Craig Hampson and Steven Shingler in the halfbacks, while Pat Howard and Max Bodilly will link up in the midfield on what will be Bodilly’s 50th appearance for the club.

In the back-three, Jonah Holmes continues his fine form from fullback while Nathan Earle will be looking to add to the try he scored in Jersey in February and Luke Daniels will continue to be a strong option from the tee.

If you can’t make it over to the island, the game will be streamed for free on the Championship website.

Ealing Trailfinders team to face Jersey Reds:

 

15. Jonah Holmes

14. Luke Daniels

13. Max Bodilly (50th apperance)

12. Pat Howard

11. Nathan Earle

10. Steven Shingler

9. Craig Hampson

1. James Gibbons

2. Alun Walker

3. George Davis

4. David O’Connor

5. Barney Maddison (C)

6. Rob Farrar

7. Adam Korczyk

8. Jack Digby

Replacements

 

16. Shaun Malton

17. Will Davis

18. Ross Kane

19. Andrew Davidson

20. Simon Uzokwe

21. Jordan Burns

22. Dan Lancaster

23. Will Montgomery

,

Match Guide: Jersey Reds (A)

With the two clubs separated by just one point, make sure you’re ready for Saturday’s mouth-watering match on the island!

 

RFU CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 20

Date: Saturday 22nd April

Kick-Off: 2pm

Location: Stade Santander International, Jersey

Tickets: Available from £15 – click here to purchase

Coverage: Live coverage of the game will be available via our Twitter feed. There will also be a free live stream which you can watch here.

ABOUT THE OPPOSITION:

The other outstanding team in the league, Jersey currently sit on 91 points, just one behind the Trailfinders and they would have a perfect record in this competition, had it not been for the two rounds either side of the new year.

Their only defeat came on Christmas Eve at TFSC, as they fell by 43-22 in what was the Trailfinders largest crowd of the season. Then at the start of January, they travelled to an in form Coventry side.

With five minutes to go at Butts Park Arena, the hosts were up 19-5, but two scrum tries, first with Tim Grey dotting down and then a penalty try saw the Reds claim a famous 19-19 draw.

There have been a few close escapes as well, as two missed kicks by Doncaster in October and London Scottish in January meant that two victories could have easily been a draw and a loss.

But, ever since the game away in the West Midlands, Jersey have achieved maximum points in all eight of their league games to ensure that they remained right behind the Trailfinders.

LAST TIME WE MET:

Last time we faced Jersey was when we travelled to the island at the start of February as we faced each other in a crucial Pool A fixture in the Championship Cup.

After a strong start from the Trailfinders which saw them achieve everything apart from getting points on the board, the Reds grew into the match.

At the 20 minute mark, it was still scoreless but then the hosts entered a purple patch and scored three tries in the space of 15 minutes.

With the half-time whistle approaching, Alun Walker managed to muscle over at the back of a rolling maul to make the score 21-7 at the break.

After a strong end to the first 40, the Londoners continued this in the second-half, as Craig Hampson sniped at the fringes of the ruck to dot down under the sticks.

At the hour mark, Craig Willis slotted a penalty before then Trailfinders produced a try of the season contender, as some tasty front-row interplay saw Kevin O’Byrne then throw a no-look pass to release Nathan Earle as the winger sprinted away to score in the corner.

With the visitors now 21-22 up, Jersey responded with a converted try of their own to retake the league.

Then, with the clock in the red, the ball found its way to Jordan Burns who was playing out of position on the wing. With just a half-yard of space, he put on the afterburners and managed to scorch in and score in the corner. Willis then stepped up to snatch the win, but agonisingly it sailed just wide.

FORM GUIDE:

Jersey Reds

W: Bedford Blues 19-26 Jersey Reds (Saturday 15th April)

W: Doncaster Knights 24-52 Jersey Reds (Saturday 8th April)

W: Jersey Reds 52-10 Nottingham (Saturday 1st April)

Ealing Trailfinders:

W: Ealing Trailfinders 73-14 Caldy (Saturday 15th April)

Click here to watch match highlights.

W: Bedford Blues 31-40 Ealing Trailfinders (Saturday 1st April)

Click here to watch match highlights.

W: Ealing Trailfinders 50-12 Cornish Pirates (Saturday 25th March)

Click here to watch match highlights.

MATCH OFFICIALS:

Referee: Christophe Ridley

AR1: Simon Harding

AR2: Hamish Grant

,

Match Programme: Caldy (H)

Get ready for Saturday’s Championship clash with Caldy by reading our free match programme.

Click here to read this week’s programme.

Inside this week’s programme there is:

  • Ben Ward’s Update
  • Jack Digby Feature
  • Quick Fire Questions – Craig Hampson
  • Insight into Caldy
  • Three Players To Watch

The links for every programme will be posted across our social media channels and website each week, as well as scannable QR codes around Trailfinders Sports Club. To visit our match programme hub click here.

Click here to purchase tickets for Saturday’s match (KO 3pm).

Team News: Caldy (H)

Ealing Trailfinders have named a strong side as they prepare to welcome Caldy to Trailfinders Sports Club for the first time.

Up front, Alun Walker stays sandwiched between the two Davises, with Will in at loosehead and George on the tighthead side.

The engine room also stays the same, with Barney Maddison captaining the side next to Andrew Davidson.

The back-row sees the first of the changes from the hard-fought win away at Bedford a fortnight ago, as Rob Farrar and Jack Digby return to the side. They will slot in at blindside and number eight respective, while Simon Uzokwe shifts to openside as he prepares to make his 50th Trailfinders appearance.

The halfbacks sees Craig Hampson partner Steven Shingler while the midfield of Pat Howard and Max Bodilly remains unchanged.

The back-three sees Nathan Earle return to the squad, as he makes up an exciting back-three along with Luke Daniels and Jonah Holmes.

Tickets remain on sale for Saturday’s match, click here to purchase. Live coverage is available via Twitter.

Ealing Trailfinders team to face Caldy:

15. Jonah Holmes

14. Luke Daniels

13. Max Bodilly

12. Pat Howard

11. Nathan Earle

10. Steven Shingler

9. Craig Hampson

1. Will Davis

2. Alun Walker

3. George Davis

4. Andrew Davidson

5. Barney Maddison (C)

6. Rob Farrar

7. Simon Uzokwe

8. Jack Digby

Replacements:

16. Shaun Malton

17. James Gibbons

18. Ross Kane

19. David O’Connor

20. Will Montgomery

21. Jordan Burns

22. Dan Lancaster

23. Adam Korczyk

Our Sponsors

Mizuno Logo
Lords Building Merchants Logo
David Lloyd Health Club Logo
Brunel University Logo
Sponsor Logos - _0019_Arnold Hill Logo
Sponsor Logos - _0011_Healthshare Logo
Grilleville
The Turmeric Co Logo
Ikon-Dental-Logo-Player-Sponsors
Sponsor Logos - _0006_Physique Logo
Windosr Hill Logo
Sponsor-Logos-Novotel
Perfect-Crystal-Windows-Sponsor-logo
Acai-Berry-Sponsor-logo
O4Life logo
Sinton Andrews
Contested
Become a partner About our partners Contact Us How to Find Us

TRAILFINDERS – THE TRAVEL EXPERTS

Trailfinders Travel Logo

For Conferences, Corporate Days, Weddings and Parties

© 2025 EALING RUGBY CLUB IS A TRADING NAME OF THE EALING FOOTBALL CLUB (RUGBY UNION) LIMITED WHICH IS INCORPORATED WITH LIMITED LIABILITY UNDER THE INDUSTRIAL AND PROVIDENT SOCIETIES ACT 1965 UNDER NO. 30274R.

PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS & CONDITIONS