News Archives - Page 2 of 71 - Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club

Match Report: Blackheath vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders secure a bonus-point win against Blackheath to round of the first block of Elior Champ Rugby.

An early scrum for Trailfinders gave them attacking advantage. However, a lost ball forward stunted opening momentum. Yet, Trailfinders secured the ball back after winning an early penalty.

Another scrum for Trailfinders, this time ten metres out from the try area proved the perfect platform for the first try. The men in green held the scrum, going short and strong in the carries. Then using the width, Toby Cousins ran the try in on the wing. Louie Johnson added the conversion.

Blackheath opted for the box kick game, looking to gain territory through the kicking battle. Trailfinders gained the edge in the kicking game and drew another penalty. Johnson kicked the ball into a corner. Momentum swung once more when Blackheath stole the lineout and box kicked for the exit.

But Trailfinders were not to be deterred. With a second lineout opportunity, skipper Will Montgomery gathered the ball, giving his side the platform to attack. Deago Bailey worked off his wing, slicing through Blackheath’s defence to score the second try from his own chip and chase. Johnson added the conversion.

Ten minutes in and two tries for Trailfinders did not stop Blackheath from staying in the hunt for their own.

The home side struck back from their own set piece platform. After securing the lineout, Blackheath’s Jordan Burns saw a gap and soared to the tryline for Blackheath’s first score. The conversion was successful by Sam Morley.

Blackheath continued to capitalise on their attacking prowess. Burns broke down the lefthand channel to score a second try, though this time the conversion flew wide.

Discipline errors crept into Trailfinders’ play as the clock neared the quarter mark. A penalty for Blackheath in the red zone saw Morley point to posts. His boot was straight and true, the penalty score taking the hosts into the lead for the first time of the match.

Trailfinders fended off another wave of attack from Blackheath and turned defence into offence. After remaining resilient, the fruits of their labour came through.

Bailey found a gap once more to score his second and Ealing’s third try of the match. Johnson added the conversion.

Fierce competition continued at the breakdown between both teams, yet it was Trailfinders who had the edge when a scrum penalty saw the ball quickly recycled and sent out to Cousins. He scored Trailfinders’ fourth try in the right corner just before half-time.

Half-time: Blackheath 15-26 Ealing Trailfinders

The second half opened with turnover ball for both sides, each team targeting the breakdown. The fierce contest in the midfield ensued as no points were scored when the clock edged into fifty minutes.

Blackheath held firm in a scrum after Trailfinders knocked the ball on in the red zone. The home side’s exit relieved some pressure but not enough.

Trailfinders went back to the set piece lineout into the driving maul. The forwards carried in short range. Second row Bobby De Wee scored next to the posts to give Johnson a straightforward conversion which he slotted over.

The demons of ill-discipline were not over when the referee showed Cousins a yellow card.

Blackheath capitalised on the numerical advantage with a driving maul try scored to the left of the posts. The conversion by Morley was successful.

That score was set to be Blackheath’s last as Trailfinders continued to play physically.

Another scrum in Blackheath’s 22 was won and Trailfinders drove forward through the short attacking carries. On the final phase, Adam Nicol powered over the try line for his first ever try as a Trailfinder, his third in his professional career. Johnson added the extras.

Try-time continued when Michael Stronge broke free from Blackheath defenders to score. Johnson slotted the conversion.

Even with fewer players on the pitch, Trailfinders stepped up their game, hunting for more in the dying minutes of the match. The dividends were paid when De Wee got over for a second try from short range, with Johnson converting once more.

With ball in hand, Trailfinders used the width and spread the ball out to Jake Morris who scored on the right wing.

Trailfinders finish block one with a bonus-point win.

Full-time: Blackheath 22-59 Ealing Trailfinders

News

Team News: Blackheath vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders have named their side to face Blackheath in Round Five of Elior Champ Rugby.

Ben Ward has named two changes in his matchday squad ahead of travelling to Blackheath.

The changes come in the hookers: Matt Cornish replaces Mike Willemse as starting hooker after last weekend. Harry Thompson comes onto the bench.

Will Montgomery has been named as captain for the clash against Blackheath.

Kyle Whyte and George Davis join Matt Cornish in the front row.

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

Joining Montgomery in the back row are flankers Fyn Brown and Jordy Reid.

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

Rory Scannell links up with Francis Moore in the centres.

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

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

Michael Stronge is named as replacement scrum-half. Two-time try-scorer from last week’s game Hayden Hyde completes the squad.

Kick off is at 3pm, Saturday 17th October.

Can’t make the journey to The Utilita? Watch live on ClubberTV.

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. Matt Cornish

3. George Davis

4. Bobby De Wee

5. Freddie Stevenson

6. Fyn Brown

7. Jordy Reid

8. Will Montgomery (C)

REPLACEMENTS

16. Harry Thompson

17. Sam Grahamslaw

18. Adam Nicol

19. Emeka Atuanya

20. Kyle Hatherell

21. Gabriel Mann

22. Michael Stronge

23. Hayden Hyde

TEAM NEWS: GLOUCESTER-HARTPURY VS TRAILFINDERS

Trailfinders Women have named their squad for their final game in the JAECOO PWR Next Gen Cup group stages.

Cassandra Tuffnail returns to the starting XV alongside Kiwi powerhouse Tanya Kalounivale in the front-row. They’ll pack down either side of Niamh Swailes, who captains the squad from Hooker.

Teya Ashworth earns another start in the number four shirt as she looks to build on what has been a strong campaign in the green and white. Gabby Brown joins her in the engine room.

Dutch international Isa Prins gets the nod at six, as she lines up for her debut for the Club. Jade Betsen joins her in the back-row at openside Flanker. Brunel co-captain Scarlet Down completes the back-row at Number eight.

Brooke Bradley will be looking to set the tempo from nine, with Claire Gallagher joining her as her halfback partner, as she slots back in at Fly-half following a successful stint with Canada at WXV, where she primarily featured at Fullback.

Charlotte Brookes returns to the midfield at Inside centre alongside Jess Cooksey at Thirteen who will be looking to make her mark against her former club.

The electric Grace White makes her first appearance of the season alongside Ruby Tui on the wing. Fresh off the back of her player of the match performance against Harlequins, Rosie Inman slots in at Fullback to complete the back-three.

Opting for a 5/3 split on the bench, Amanda McQuade, Maya Montiel, Flo Long, Jas Adonri, and Annabel Meta complete the forwards cohort.

Poppy Love, Isla Apiafi and Poppy Symons round off the squad.

Starting XV

15. Rosie Inman

14. Ruby Tui

13. Jess Cooksey

12. Charlotte Brookes

11. Grace Whute

10. Claire Gallagher

9. Brooke Bradley

1. Cassandra Tuffnail

2. Niamh Swailes (C)

3. Tanya Kalounivale

4. Teya Ashworth

5. Gabby Brown

6. Isa Prins

7. Jade Betsen

8. Scarlet Down

Replacements

16. Amanda McQuade

17. Maya Montiel

18. Flo Long

19. Jas Adonri

20. Annabel Meta

21. Poppy Love

22. Isla Apiafi

23. Poppy Symons

News

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