Ealing Trailfinders can confirm the date for our Round 10 rearranged fixture against Caldy.
The match which was originally scheduled for Saturday 17th December (postponed due to a frozen pitch) will now take place on Saturday 7th January at Paton Field, CH48 1NX (KO 2pm).
Any supporters who purchased match tickets for the original fixture date will receive a full refund / transferred ticket from Caldy RFC. Alternatively, match tickets are on sale here.
Beat the January Blues by taking advantage of our £10 ticket offer for our upcoming fixture against Ampthill on Saturday 14th January!
RFU CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 12:
Date: Saturday 14th January
Kick-Off: 3pm
Location: Trailfinders Sports Club, W13 0DD
Tickets: £10 tickets available in Standing Areas
Coverage: Live coverage available via our Twitter feed and website.
PRE-MATCH HOSPITALITY:
Kick-off your day in style by joining us for our delicious pre-match hospitality (two course meal). To book email: hospitality@etprm.com or click here for further details.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH SPONSOR:
Thank you to Bread Street Café, Ealing Broadway, our 2022/23 Player of the Match Sponsor. Book your table at Bread Street Café.
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 on our website and social media channels. You can also scan the QR code posters at the ground to read for free.
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!
Following a strong end to the year, it’s now time to vote for your December Player of the Month.
The players nominated are:
Kyle Whyte (Prop)
Shaun Malton (Hooker)
Carlo Tizzano (Flanker)
Luke Daniels (Wing)
CLICK HERE to vote for your December Player of the Month.
Voting closes at 5pm on Monday 2nd January 2023. The winner will be announced via our website and social media channels in the days after voting closes.
Join us at Trailfinders Sports Club on Tuesday 17th January for an exclusive Q&A evening with Ben Ward and Giselle Mather.
Commencing at 6pm in the clubhouse, Ben will review our Men’s Championship season so far, look ahead to an important block of league fixtures and provide a club-wide update. Giselle will give an exclusive insight into our successful Women’s Premier 15s application, explaining the next steps for the women’s programme and her plans to develop an exciting squad of players and coaches.
Giselle’s Key Topics:
– Women’s Rugby in 2023
– Growth, Development & Challenges
– Insight into Ealing Trailfinders Women
– Planning for Allianz Premier 15s
– Pathway For Aspiring Players
The Q&A is free to attend with the bar open from 6pm. You will have the opportunity to ask Ben and Giselle questions in an open forum format from 6:15pm-7pm.
To register your place please email: info@etprm.com – confirming your name and the number of places you wish to book.
We look forward to welcoming you to Trailfinders Sports Club!
Ealing Trailfinders are pleased to announce the signing of loose-head prop Tom West for the remainder of the 2022/23 season.
Tom, who joins from Wasps, has more than 50 Premiership appearances and has already begun training with the squad.
The 26-year-old came through the Wasps Academy while he was a pupil at Radley College, before joining the Senior Wasps Academy in 2015. His early career at Wasps included a dual-registered spell with then National One side and now Ealing Trailfinders partner club Henley Hawks, before he had a long-term loan at Championship rivals Nottingham.
In 2016, Tom was part of the England team that won the U20 World Championship, coming off the bench in the 45-21 win over Ireland.
After establishing himself in the Wasps squad, Tom started the 2019/20 Premiership Final, suffering a narrow 19-13 defeat to Exeter Chiefs. He was then rewarded with a call-up to the England training squad for the 2021 Six Nations.
Speaking about his move to Ealing Trailfinders, Tom said: “I’m really pleased to be back playing and I’m grateful to Ealing Trailfinders for giving me this opportunity.
“I’m delighted to have signed for such an ambitious club who want to make it to the top table and hopefully I can be a part of helping them get there.
“Although I’ve only been in the environment for a short period of time, I’m already enjoying getting to know the lads and I can’t wait to get out playing.”
Ealing Trailfinders Director of Rugby Ben Ward added: “It’s great to be able to bring a player of Tom’s quality to the club during the season. He adds further competition to an already very strong area for us and we’re looking forward to seeing him in action.”
Welcome to our Match Day Live coverage for Saturday’s Christmas Eve blockbuster against Jersey Reds.
This page will be updated regularly throughout the game so please remember to refresh your page every few minutes (KO 12pm UK time).
FULL-TIME: EALING TRAILFINDERS 43-22 JERSEY REDS
74: TRY EALING TRAILFINDERS! Craig Willis scores out wide, he slots his over conversion!
SCORE UPDATE: EALING TRAILFINDERS 36-22 JERSEY REDS
68: TRY JERSEY REDS. Good solo try down the wing from the visitors. Conversion missed.
SCORE UPDATE: EALING TRAILFINDERS 36-17 JERSEY REDS
65: TRY EALING TRAILFINDERS! Ross Kane take a bow, the prop charges through from 15 metres to score under the sticks. Willis adds the conversion.
SCORE UPDATE: EALING TRAILFINDERS 29-17 JERSEY REDS
63: TRY JERSEY REDS. Swift attack by the visitors scoring down the wing. Conversion missed.
58: Jersey look good down the far wing, charging to our line but their pass is fumbled and goes out. We have the lineout just inside our 22.
56: Huge turnover from Carlo Tizzano as we get ourselves out of dangerous position. Hampson with the box kick.
SCORE UPDATE: EALING TRAILFINDERS 29-12
52: PENALTY EALING TRAILFINDERS! We win the penalty and Craig Willis steps up to extend our lead!
SCORE UPDATE: EALING TRAILFINDERS 26-12
47: TRY EALING TRAILFINDERS! Hampson slices through the Jersey defence for his second try and the bonus point. Willis adds the conversion!
44: Powerful defence by our pack, stopping the Jersey driving maul! We have the scrum feed, 10 metres from our line.
42: Will Davis makes a great break from the Jersey lineout, he’s eventually brought down and Hampson fires a box kick back at the visitors.
41: We’re back underway at Trailfinders Sports Club. Fantastic crowd, electric atmosphere and a huge second half ahead!
HALF-TIME SCORE: EALING TRAILFINDERS 19-12
40: The Jersey kick is missed and that’s half-time.
39: Play is stopped for a couple minutes as a Jersey player receives attention. Jersey then win the scrum penalty and opt for the shot at goal.
36: TRY JERSEY REDS. James Dunn scores for the visitors, breaking through our defence to touch down under the posts. Conversion successful.
SCORE UPDATE: EALING TRAILFINDERS 19-5 JERSEY REDS
31: TRY EALING TRAILFINDERS! Jonah makes the break down the near wing, he’s pulled down and Craig Hampson collects and pops the ball over the line. Craig slots the conversion.
29: Huge lineout steal by our pack, winning the Jersey thrown and then belting the ball out of danger. Score remains 12-5.
28: Jersey throw the ball wide and grubber down the corner but Luke Daniels is there to cover. The referee returns for the Jersey penalty, just inside our half.
25: Jersey make the mistake, penalised for obstruction. We kick the ball out of danger for the lineout on half-way.
24: Jersey applying plenty of pressure, winning the penalty in our 22 and kicking for the attacking corner.
SCORE UPDATE: EALING TRAILFINDERS 12-5 JERSEY REDS
19: TRY EALING TRAILFINDERS! Electric rugby as we attack with speed in the Jersey 22, throwing a wide pass to Cian Kelleher who goes over in the corner! Willis misses the conversion.
15: Jonah with an enormous try-saving tackle! Jersey intercept our wide pass and run 80 metres but Jonah pulls the winger down. We then win the penalty! Score remains 7-5.
14: Carlo powers over but the ball is touched down just short of the line. We return for the attacking advantage, 5 metres out.
11: Jersey drop the lineout ball, we pack down for the scrum and then win the penalty. Willis boots us up over half-way.
10: Jonah Holmes’ kick goes a bit too deep, out on the full. Jersey will have the attacking lineout, 40 metres from out line.
SCORE UPDATE: EALING TRAILFINDERS 7-5 JERSEY REDS
7: TRY JERSEY REDS. The visitors respond quickly to score in the far corner. Conversion missed.
5: Jersey win the penalty from the restart and now charge into our 22.
SCORE UPDATE: EALING TRAILFINDERS 7-0 JERSEY REDS
3: TRY EALING TRAILFINDERS! Beautiful swift rugby as Reuben Bird-Tulloch goes over in the corner. Craig Willis adds the conversion.
1: Welcome to Christmas Eve at Trailfinders Sports Club! We win the first penalty off the kick-off and boot the ball to the line.
Here is your Trailfinders side for our top of the table clash on Christmas Eve against Jersey Reds.
As the only two unbeaten teams in the league showdown in this mouthwatering clash on the night before Christmas, we have picked a strong side as we look to end this year on a high.
There is a powerful and dynamic front-row, with Kyle Whyte and Lewis Thiede packing down either side of Shaun Malton, while David O’Connor and Danny Cutmore start in the engine room.
The back-row is well balanced, with the league’s top try-scorer, Carlo Tizzano on the open-side, where he’s complimented by blind-side Rob Farrar and captain Rayn Smid at number eight.
The two Craigs combine at halfback, with Hampson at 9 and Willis at 10, while Pat Howard and Reuben Bird-Tulloch partner in the midfield. In the back-three, Cian Kelleher and Luke Daniels are on the wings, while Welsh International Jonah Holmes starts at fullback.
The bench features the likes of experienced Championship campaigners Will Davis, Bobby De Wee, Simon Uzokwe, Jordan Burns and Club Captain Steven Shingler.
There is a whole host of festive activities down at Trailfinders Sports Club, so if you haven’t got your tickets yet, click here.
Ealing Trailfinders team to face Jersey Reds:
15. Jonah Holmes
14. Luke Daniels
13. Reuben Bird-Tulloch
12. Pat Howard
11. Cian Kelleher
10. Craig Willis
9. Craig Hampson
1. Kyle Whyte
2. Shaun Malton
3. Lewis Thiede
4. David O’Connor
5. Danny Cutmore
6. Rob Farrar
7. Carlo Tizzano
8. Rayn Smid (C)
Replacements:
16. Cam Terry
17. Will Davis
18. Ross Kane
19. Bobby De Wee
20. Simon Uzokwe
21. Jordan Burns
22. Steven Shingler
23. Jack Digby
Book your tickets for this Saturday’s Christmas Eve blockbuster against Jersey Reds at Trailfinders Sports Club!
RFU CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 11:
Date: Saturday 24th December
Kick-Off: 12pm
Location: Trailfinders Sports Club, W13 0DD
Tickets: Available from £16 – click here to purchase tickets.
Coverage: Live coverage will be available via our Twitter feed and website.
CHRISTMAS EVE BRUNCH:
Kick-off your day in style by joining us for our delicious Christmas Eve Brunch (starts at 10:30am). To book email: hospitality@etprm.com or click here for further details.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH SPONSOR:
Thank you to Bread Street Café, Ealing Broadway, our 2022/23 Player of the Match Sponsor. Book your table at Bread Street Café.
GET YOUR STOCKING FILLERS:
Make sure you get your stocking fillers before they all sell out! Our club shop, including our 2022/23 replica shirt, will be in operation from 10:30am and the shop 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 on our website and social media channels. You can also scan the QR code posters at the ground to read for free.
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). Please be aware there is a train strike scheduled for Saturday which may affect some services. 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 CHRISTMAS EVE AT EALING TRAILFINDERS!
Ealing Trailfinders A put in a valiant performance in Belfast as they fell 19-15 to Ulster A.
The team, which was compiled of 13 players currently in the Trailfinders Rugby Academy based out of Brunel University, were expecting a tough contest against the Northern Irishmen, but ultimately they looked more than able to compete with their URC opposition.
After fears prior to kick off about a frozen pitch were dismissed, the hosts came out of the blocks fast, and almost scored on two occasions, but our scramble defence was able to hold firm.
We slowly built into the game, with our scrum being a particular weapon, as we won four scrum penalties in the first 40, but sadly we were unable to find the final clinical touch which saw us trouble the scoresheet.
Then, on the stroke of half-time and having absorbed 21 phases inside our own 22, Ulster were able to crash over from close range to put them 7-0 up at the break.
In the second half, both teams started well and there was a lot of good rugby on show, yet we were still struggling to make significant inroads inside the Ulster 22.
This was until David Douglas Bridge got his hands on the ball. After several good phases, Ollie Fox noticed a small gap around the ruck. The scrum-half sniped and managed to offload. Quick ball meant that the hosts were constantly retreating and this allowed Bridge to pick up at the breakdown, power forward and stretch every inch of his 6”5’ frame as he grounded the ball on the line. The conversion just sailed wide and it was a two-point game.
Not content with just one score, we were also able to grab the next! A great build up play in the midfield saw us swing the ball from left to right which eventually saw space created on the wing. Dan Lancaster found Epi Rokodrava who managed to offload to release Joaquin Gali. The Spanish U20 international tip-toed down the touchline before passing inside to Fox. The scrum-half was clearly tackled early and before he had caught the ball, but instead of complaining, he was able to pop the ball up to Geordie Gwynn who dived over in the corner. Lancaster impressively converted making it 7-12.
Ulster were able to hit straight back however as they rolling maul powered over as they edged back in front.
With seven minutes to go, we were able to force Ulster to carry the ball back over their try line following a strong kick chase. The subsequent five metre scrum saw us win another penalty and captain Lancaster opted to go for the sticks to put us 14-15 ahead. However, we were unable to reclaim and exit from the kick-off, and Ulster were able to capitalise as they scored in the corner.
Despite our best efforts, Ulster were able to close out the game 19-15. Despite the loss, Head Coach at Trailfinders Rugby Academy Paddy Gill was pleased with the performance and felt it showed the strength of the programme at Brunel University.
We would like to thank Ulster for hosting us in this friendly fixture and we will be hosting Ulster A in a similar match on Friday 6th January at Trailfinders Sports Club.
A new chapter in the proud history of Ealing Trailfinders has been confirmed with the RFU announcing that the club has been successful in its application to join the Allianz Premier 15s
This exciting announcement means Ealing Trailfinders will have an elite women’s first-team squad competing in the Premier 15s from season 2023/24. The newly formed Ealing Trailfinders Women will join an eight team league featuring Bristol Bears Women, Exeter Chiefs Women, Gloucester-Hartpury Women, Harlequins Women, Leicester Tigers Women, Loughborough Lightning/Northampton Saints and Saracens Women. To read the full RFU announcement click here.
Ealing Trailfinders Women will be based at Trailfinders Sports Club, with world class facilities, coaches and support staff, with home fixtures taking place on the main stadium pitch, with a current capacity of 5,000.
Director of Women’s Rugby Giselle Mather, who joined the club in July, spoke of the significance of announcement and the impact it will have on the growth of women’s rugby.
“This is a very special day for everyone involved with Ealing Trailfinders. It’s one of those moments that will be highlighted in our history for years to come. We are incredibly proud to have been successful and delighted to have the opportunity to bring elite female athletes, coaches and support staff to Ealing Trailfinders. The programme will not only benefit the 45 players selected in our Premier 15s squad, but will have a hugely positive impact on the growth and development of women’s rugby at all levels.”
Simon Sinclair, Chief Operating Officer of Ealing Trailfinders Academy and Women’s Programme, added his excitement and spoke of the benefit to the club’s already successful player pathways.
“This has been a huge effort and an enormous achievement from everyone involved at the club. Over the last few years we have invested heavily in building sustainable development pathways from the bottom up. We have partnered with several PODs (Places of Development), clubs and schools with thriving girl’s and women’s programmes, and created pathways for their talent to progress to elite rugby. We have set up a Women’s Academy at Brunel University and Henley College, alongside a comprehensive women’s programme at Cardinal Newman, with top class coaches, medical, fitness and support staff, to help players develop their rugby, while giving them the opportunity to study and prepare for their future. Having a clear and extensive pathway from school and club rugby to Premier 15s at Ealing Trailfinders will provide players with enormous opportunities.”
Ben Ward, Managing Director of Ealing Trailfinders Professional Rugby Management, spoke of the importance of the announcement and achieving the club’s 2022/23 objectives.
“This is a landmark moment in our club history and one that we’re extremely proud of. This season our objectives have been clear. Promotion to the Men’s Premiership, BUCS Super Rugby for our Men’s Academy at Brunel University and a full-time Women’s Premier 15s squad. To achieve one of these objectives just before Christmas, and be on track with the other two, is a huge testament to the investment and hard work of everyone involved in this process. I would like to thank the entire team at Ealing Trailfinders for their hard work during the application, with a huge thanks to the considerable investment and long-term support of club owner Sir Mike Gooley.”
Ealing Trailfinders Club Captain Steven Shingler added his thoughts and spoke of the exciting opportunity to work alongside elite female athletes.
“It’s absolutely brilliant to have a Premier 15s team here at Ealing Trailfinders. It highlights how far the club has come and will create an incredible playing atmosphere. Having the opportunity to train alongside female rugby players in a highly driven and elite environment will be a massive benefit to us all. We’re extremely excited by this news and we can’t wait to welcome the women’s squad to Ealing Trailfinders and support their progress and success over the coming years.”
Ealing Trailfinders will now commence the process of recruiting an exciting squad of players, coaches and staff for the upcoming 2023/24 Premier 15s season. More information will be circulated in due course.
Make sure to follow Ealing Trailfinders Women on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
For media interviews contact Tom Soulsby via: alex.reed@etprm.com or 07821 709 120.