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.”

 

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Match Guide: Caldy (H)

Make sure you’re ready for our last league home game of the season, as Caldy make their first ever trip to Trailfinders Sports Club!

RFU CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 20

Date: Saturday 15th April

Kick-Off: 3pm

Location: Trailfinders Sports Club

Tickets: Available from £16 – click here to purchase

Coverage: Live coverage via Twitter: @EalingTFRugby

MATCH HOSPITALITY:

To book our delicious pre-match lunch (two-course meal) email: hospitality@etprm.com or click here for further information.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH SPONSOR:

Thank you to Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Ealing Broadway, our 2022/23 Player of the Match Sponsor. Book your table at Bread Street Kitchen & Bar.

CLUB SHOP:

Our club shop, including our 2022/23 replica shirt, will be in operation from 1:30pm and will remain open throughout the game and post-match.

DIGITAL MATCH PROGRAMME:

Our free digital match programme will be published on the Friday before the game. The programme will be available via this link and our social media channels. You can also scan the QR code posters at the ground to read for free.

MATCH DAY SCHEDULE:

11:30am: Ealing Trailfinders Community Women v Didcott Women

12pm: Ealing Trailfinders U18s v Market Harborough

1:30pm: Club Shop Open

1:45pm: Ealing Trailfinders U12s v Sittingbourne RFC

2:15pm: Wales v England, Women’s 6 Nations

3pm: Ealing Trailfinders v Caldy

Half-Time: Ealing Trailfinders Cheerleaders

Full-Time: Bread Street Kitchen & Bar Player of the Match

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE OPPOSITION:

In what is Caldy’s first ever season in the Championship, the men from the Wirrall were always going to be something on an unknown quantity this year.

Close early losses against Hartpury, Nottingham and Ampthill and an impressive away win at Richmond put the new boys on the right path at the start of the season. As they moved into November, the Ravers looked to be losing their way somewhat, but a win against Ampthill in the cup helped put them back on track.

Then as Christmas came, their home form really started to pick up with wins over Cornish Pirates, Ealing Trailfinders, Bedford Blues and Richmond.

With Paton Field becoming a fortress, they have had some recent tricky away fixtures, with tough results coming at Jersey Reds and Coventry. An important win over the Exiles at the end of March ensured their place in the Championship next season and so it means Caldy will be playing without the shackles of potential relegation for their final three matches of the year.

LAST TIME WE MET:

After the initial fixture was postponed due to a frozen pitch, despite the full Trailfinders squad having already travelled up to Merseyside, the team returned at the start of January for their first ever trip to Paton Field.

After an early try from Jan-Henning Campher, the game drastically changed on the 22nd minute, as Ross Kane was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle at the ruck.

Needing to keep the scoreboard ticking over, Trailfinders were then awarded a penalty in front of the sticks. Willis stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty kick for the 0-10 lead at the break.

Further scores from Reuben Bird-Tulloch and Campher were sandwiched either side of a Caldy intercept score, but with half an hour left to go, the hosts started to make their extra man pay! Two quick tries made it a three point game with 15 minutes left to play and then two yellow cards saw Trailfinders down to 12 for the final few minutes.

With the clock in the red, and a massive overlap, Caldy were able to throw the ball wide and score in the corner to inflict the first visitor’s first defeat of the 2022/23 season.

FORM GUIDE:

Ealing Trailfinders:

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.

W: Nottingham 21-41 Ealing Trailfinders (Saturday 18th March)

Click here to watch match highlights.

Caldy:

L: Cornish Pirates 28-21 Caldy (Sunday 2nd April)

W: Caldy 26-19 London Scottish (Saturday 25th March)

L: Coventry 48-19 Caldy (Saturday 18th March)

MATCH OFFICIALS

 

Referee: George Selwood 

AR1: Jonathan Cook

AR2: Calum Howard

 

HOW TO FIND US:

By Road:

From the A40 take the B452 turn-off towards Ealing (actually signposted as Perivale) along the Argyle Road. Pass through a set of traffic lights and across a roundabout. At the second roundabout, (about 0.5km) turn right into Vallis Way. Trailfinders Sports Club entrance is at the end of the road. Click here to view map.

Car parking is available at the ground and costs £5 per vehicle. You can purchase your parking ticket at the gate via card or cash.

By Rail:

You can take a national rail train from Paddington to Ealing Broadway and then hop on a bus (see below). Click here for the latest National Rail updates.

By Tube:

The London Underground will be operating and you can take the Central Line, District Line or Elizabeth Line to Ealing Broadway, and then take a bus, taxi or walk to the ground (approx. 20 minute walk). Alternatively, you can take the Elizabeth line to West Ealing station and then walk to the ground (approx. 15 minutes).

By Bus:

Many buses stop in the vicinity of Trailfinders Sports Club, including the 297, E1, E2, E7, E9 and E10. The nearest bus stop to the ground is ‘Scotch Common’, which is a five minute walk to the club.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT:

For further information or assistance please email us on: info@etprm.com.

WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR MATCH DAY AT EALING TRAILFINDERS!

Future of Professional Rugby Survey

Have your input into the future of professional rugby in England.

The Championship Clubs, RFU and Premiership Rugby are working together to better understand the future of the professional game in England including looking at the future of the Championship and need your help! As a Championship fan, we want to hear from you. The Survey will take about 10 minutes of your time and the responses will directly go towards shaping the future of the Championship competition and wider domestic rugby in England.

As a thank you for your time you will have the option to enter a prize draw for the chance to win four tickets to either England vs Fiji or England vs Wales at Twickenham Stadium this summer!

To take part in the survey, click here.

 

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Vote for your Player of the Season

Pick from the nine man longlist to vote for your Supporters’ Player of the Season

After what has been another successful season, the time has come to vote for the player you think has had the most impact on the club this year.

In what is a 5-4 split in terms of backs to forwards, the longlist has been drawn up based on the players who have played the most minutes or appearances for the club this season.

The list is as follows:

Reuben Bird-Tulloch

Max Bodilly

Rob Farrar

Craig Hampson

Jonah Holmes

Carlo Tizzano

Simon Uzokwe

Kyle Whyte

Craig Willis

To cast your vote, CLICK HERE.

Voting will close at 5pm on Monday 17th April, so be sure to cast your vote soon!

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