Ealing Trailfinders can confirm that back David Johnston has retired from playing professional rugby and has joined the coaching team at the club with immediate effect.

Predominantly a fullback, David first joined the club back in 2018 and was part of the team that defeated London Irish in the Championship Cup Final in his first season at the club.

After a winning the Trailfinders Challenge Cup ahead of the reduced 2021 season, David was then an influential part of our historic league-cup double during the 2021/22 season. He played in 20 matches out of a possible 24 last year, starting 19 of them, including the final league game of the season against Richmond where we sealed the title, and the Championship Cup final against Coventry.

After an exciting start to the season this year, including an impressive score against Hartpury, David made the decision to retire from the game after following medical advice. His final appearance was away at Cornish Pirates at the start of December.

An incredible competitor with a great reading of the game, David retires having scored 17 tries in 73 appearances for the club.

He now moves into a coaching role with the Trailfinders, which he has been doing for the second half of this season, but today the club are delighted to formalise the role.

On the news of his retirement, David said: “Obviously I’m disappointed to be hanging up my boots, but after medical advice, I feel now is the right time.

“I’d like to thank all my team mates that I’ve played with over the years, all the coaches and staff who have helped me and all the supporters who have been there to cheer me on. To my family and friends, thank you for always being there for me and for everything you’ve sacrificed so that I could follow my dream of playing rugby.

“Although I won’t be taking to the pitch anymore, I’m really excited about my new role here as I move into working on the coaching team. I sort of just see it as a continuation of my playing career. I really enjoy working with people and helping them improve and I’m really passionate about the game and the club so although my role has slightly changed, the goals are still the same for me.

“The coaching team have been brilliant to help me settle in, Brett and KC I’ve worked with as a player for a while and Fowkesy is a really experienced coach. Wardy has been great, giving me the licence to lead sessions and develop as a coach and I’m excited to learn a lot more from them going forward.”

Ealing Trailfinders Director of Rugby Ben Ward said: “Although it’s a shame that DJ has had to retire from playing, I’m pleased that he will be continuing on with the club and that he will be starting his coaching journey at Trailfinders Sports Club.

“He has already been great over the last few months and his knowledge of the game and attention to detail makes me think he will become an exceptional coach and I’m delighted to have him on board for the upcoming season.”

You can catch an extended interview with David about his retirement and his transition into coaching in today’s episode of On The Trail.

Ealing Trailfinders can confirm six more players who will all leave the club this summer.

Adam Korczyk – Ealing Trailfinder #155

Adam Korczyk first joined the club back in 2019 from Super Rugby side Queensland Reds.

The flanker, who is known for for his bone crunching tackles and great work at the breakdown, has made twelve appearances in green and white.

Adam has been incredibly unlucky with injuries over the last couple of seasons, but has reminded diligent and committed in his rehab, and in March fought back from almost a year out to make his return against Richmond. He has been a key part of the final rounds of our campaign this season and has always been a positive influence on the squad since he joined the club and we wish him all the best as he returns to Australia.

Shaun Malton – Ealing Trailfinder #164

After moving to West-London from Bristol Bears in 2020, Shaun Malton has proved himself to be one of the most exciting and versatile hookers in the league.

The 33-year-old is comfortable in the set-piece, as well as being incredibly strong in loose and is able to distribute effectively and put in running lines similar to a back.

His try scoring efforts will be missed from TFSC next season, as he has amassed 19 tries in his 49 appearances for the club.

Max Northcote-Green – Ealing Trailfinder #176

Max Northcote-Green moved to Trailfinders Sports Club in 2021, having joined after a short spell at Exeter Chiefs.

The back-row, who is incredibly effective over the ball and in the loose, has struggled with injury since joining the club, but has always been a hugely positive influence on the squad and is willing to help others and pas on his knowledge.

He did start the final block of matches during last year’s double winning season, wearing the blindside shirt as we clinched the league title against Richmond.

Jack Digby – Ealing Trailfinder #182

Jack Digby came to the Trailfinders in 2021, joining from Australian side Eastern Suburbs.

The back-row, who can play on the blindside or at number 8, has scored five tries in his two years here, as well as providing countless assists for his teammates.

In particular, he has played a crucial role in the second half of this season making the number 8 shirt his own after Rayn Smid’s injury, or providing a huge impetus from the bench.

Jack Grant – Ealing Trailfinder #202

Jack Grant has made a real impact in his short time at the club, after joining from the NSW Waratahs at the start of this season.

In his four appearances, Grant has scored three tries, including a superb brace against Hartpury, one of which was a solo run which started inside his own 22!

Peter Robb – Ealing Trailfinder #204

The powerful runner joined the club this season from URC side Connacht.

In a season that was disrupted by injury, the centre made three appearances for Trailfinders, including a strong performance away in Jersey, as we fell to the hosts by just a point in the Championship Cup.

When speaking about all the departures, Director of Rugby Ben Ward said: “Every season is full of ups and downs, and one of these down moments is when we have to say goodbye to those who are moving on at the end of the season.

“Both Adam and Noggers have been incredibly unfortunate with injuries throughout their time here, but their hard work to make it back to full fitness has been commendable, and whenever they’ve been on the pitch they’ve always given their all. My only regret is that we didn’t see them more times in green and white.

“Malts has been superb throughout the last three years, both in the set-piece and in the loose and has always popped up with important moments when we’ve needed them. Diggers has really grown throughout his time here, being a really effective ball carrier and a crucial part of the last couple of months.

“Although Jack and Peter’s spells in West-London have been short, their impetus and work around the club have been exceptional and I wish them all the best for whatever is next for them.”

These departures come after the earlier announcement that Will Davis, Lewis Thiede and Alun Walker will also be departing Ealing Trailfinders this summer.