Ealing Trailfinders are delighted to announce the signing of lock forward Ehize Ehizode from fellow Championship side Doncaster Knights ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The highly experienced forward came through the Wasps academy, representing them at Under-18s and A-League levels. He also spent time at the Bristol Bears academy before gaining game time at Dings Crusaders and Hartpury.

Ehizode’s career has traversed many sides in the Championship, having played for the newly promoted Chinnor and London Scottish before joining Doncaster Knights in 2022.

The 26-year-old has made just under half a century of appearances for the Knights across all competitions and was named Supporter’s Player of the Year for the 22/23 season.

Following his signing for the club, Ehizode said: “I’m excited to be joining Ealing next season. For the past two years I have been at Doncaster Knights, I’ve enjoyed my development as a player and as an individual, and I’m grateful to the past and present coaching staff who helped with my development. I’m looking forward to working with a new coaching staff, a new challenge in a new environment which will push me to excel as a player.”

Director of Rugby Ben Ward said: “Ehize has impressed us a lot at Doncaster and has been a mainstay in one of the teams battling at the top of the table for the past couple of seasons. I hope he can carry on this form at Ealing Trailfinders next season.”

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Ealing Trailfinders are pleased to announce the signing of fullback Tobi Wilson from fellow Championship side Coventry ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Wilson began his club rugby career with Newport before progressing his way through the Worcester Warriors senior academy. During this period, he also featured for England’s Under-18s development squad.

He made his first competitive appearance for Worcester against Gloucester back in December 2021 in the Premiership Rugby Cup.

The 20-year-old had a brief spell on loan at National League 1 side Birmingham Moseley before making the move to Coventry. Wilson made 24 appearances for the West Midlands side, scoring eight tries in his one-and-a-half-year stint at the club.

After signing for Trailfinders, Wilson said: “I’m very excited to join the Championship winners. Playing against Trailfinders a couple of times this season, I really enjoy the brand of rugby they play, and think it will suit me massively and help me develop as a player. Can’t wait to get stuck in and meet the players, coaches, staff and the fans.”

Director of Rugby Ben Ward said: “Tobi has impressed us this year with his creativity and was a really important part of an impressive Coventry team. We’re really happy to be bringing him into the environment, and I’m excited to see what he can add to the squad.”

Ealing Trailfinders are delighted to announce the signing of scrum-half Michael Stronge from fellow Championship side Nottingham ahead of the 24/25 campaign.

The 25-year-old, who can also slot in as fly-half, has made 73 appearances for the Archers since he joined in 2020, scoring 15 tries.

Stronge started his career in Ulster’s Rugby Academy in 2012. He went on to make 10 appearances for Ulster A and play for the Irish Men’s 7s team for a year.

A proven player in the Championship, his experience will be valuable for Trailfinders as they look to retain the title.

After putting pen to paper for Trailfinders, he said: “I’m really looking forward to being back in a full time environment where I can challenge myself with some of the best in the league at a club which has huge ambitions.”

Director of Rugby Ben Ward said: “Michael has really impressed for Nottingham over the last few years. He brings good tempo to the game which suits the way we want to play. His core skills are strong and I’m excited to see his impact in our squad next season.”

Ealing Trailfinders can confirm the leavers who will depart at the end of the 23/24 season.

It was another historic year for the club, which won the League Title and reached the semi-finals of the Premiership Cup.

These players will leave Trailfinders following our final game of the season against Bedford. Through their dedication and skill, they have contributed enormously to the club, and they will all be fondly remembered at Ealing Trailfinders.

Among these leavers, five individuals have left an indelible mark on the Trailfinders Sports Club. Their stand-out careers, service, and dedication have been instrumental to the club’s success, earning them a well-deserved place in the Trailfinders Hall of Fame.

First, Luke Daniels, who joined Ealing Trailfinders in 2014, helped the club win promotion from National One to the Championship by scoring the try that ultimately sent them up against Coventry. Daniels is a dynamic back-three player who has made over 100 appearances for Ealing Trailfinders over his tenure, which has seen him win two championship cups and two league titles.

Next is Jordan Burns. A prolific try scorer, he topped the scoring charts for Ealing Trailfinders in 2018/19 and has been a constant threat from scrum-half and wing throughout his career. Burns was known by fans around Ealing for having a searing pace and regularly used it to fly away from defenders and score on his own. He won three Championship Cups and two league titles in his stint at the club.

Third is Pat Howard. A bruising South African centre, he terrorised opposition midfields while at TFSC. Known for his ball carrying, Howard scored some excellent tries for Ealing Trailfinders, with his ability to run straight through opposing defenders. A Trailfinder since 2018, Howard helped the club win three Championship Cups and two league titles.

Our penultimate club stalwart to depart is Steven Shingler. He first joined Ealing Trailfinders in 2019 and was an instant success, helped by his wand of a right boot. Shingler won two Championship Cups and two league titles since his arrival. Club Captain for the past two seasons, this man has led from the front with his professional approach and willingness to help others improve. He will undoubtedly use these skills in his coaching role with Trailfinders Women next season.

Our final Hall of Famer to leave is James Cordy-Redden. After joining in 2016, Cordy-Redden helped Trailfinders avoid relegation from the Championship by a point, winning a British & Irish Cup, Three Championship Cups and two Championships. This year, he surpassed 100 caps for Trailfinders, cementing his place as a legendary servant to the club. Nicknamed ‘The Bus’, he has been a driver in the social elements of the rugby club outside of his playing duties and has added an enormous amount to the squad’s culture.

Director of Rugby Ben Ward had this message for our 23/24 leavers:

“All the players leaving after our final game of the season have contributed to this club massively through their effort and dedication over their time here, and I want to formally thank them for all they’ve done for Ealing Trailfinders. All of our leavers will be welcomed back to TFSC with open arms any time and I wish them all the best in whatever they choose to do in the future, whether that’s in rugby or elsewhere.”

List of 23/24 Ealing Trailfinders Leavers:

Rhys Anstey
Jordan Burns
James Cordy-Redden
Luke Daniels
Andrew Davidson
Harry Dugmore
Tom Georgiou
James Gibbons
Josh Gillespie
Will Goodrick-Clarke
Richard Hardwick
Tom Hitchcock
Dan Hiscocks
Jonah Holmes
Pat Howard
Ross Kane
Cian Kelleher
Dan Lancaster
Simon Linsell
Kevin O’Byrne
David O’Connor
Jimmy Roots
Steven Shingler