Trailfinders Academy Triumph at Greene King IPA 7s

The Trailfinders Rugby Academy reigned supreme in Bury St Edmunds this weekend at the Greene King IPA 7s.

The format of the tournament saw a round one qualifying game to determine whether the team made it into tier one or tier two of the competition. The boys were drawn against Bury St Edmunds Academy, and comfortably dispatched them 62-0.

The victory saw the Trailfinders put into pool A along with Samurai Renegades and Lambs. The first pool game was against Samurai Renegades, whose side included former England International and Bath Rugby winger Semesa Rokoduguni as player-coach. Despite the star quality of their opponents, the green and whites did not let this faze them and ran out 22-0 winners.

The second pool game game against Lambs also saw a 22-point margin, as the West Londoners topped the group after a 32-10 victory.

This lined up a semi-final against Apache. The knock-out game was a clear step up in comparison to the pool stages, as the specialist 7s side started strongly and went into half-time in front. However, Trailfinders used the break to regroup and were able to overturn the deficit and run out 24-14 winners and advanced to the final.

The opponents standing between Trailfinders and the Tier 1 Cup were Oxfam Crusaders, and much like the semi-final their opponents were leading at the break, 14-12, due to an extra conversion. In the second half the young Ealing Trailfinders were able to push on and ended up 26-19 winners at the full-time whistle.

After handshakes, the whole team were able to gather on the pitch to lift the Tier 1 Cup. There were certainly some future stars out on the pitch during the tournament and our thanks go to Bury St Edmunds RUFC for organising such a great event.

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Ealing Trailfinders Partner With Farnham Girls Section

Ealing Trailfinders have entered into partnership with Farnham RUFC to help develop their girls programme.

Sam Foskett, Farnham Girls U16 Head Coach said, “With girls rugby growing so quickly across the country and at Farnham, we’re now at a point that we’ve got so many numbers that this relationship is hugely exciting for our girls.”

In addition to providing a pathway for girls wanting to develop a career in rugby, the partnership supports Farnham in a number of ways, including:

  • The funding and development of a Head Coach for the girls section who will oversee coach progression, session planning and strategy for all the girls age groups at the club;
  • Boosting the club’s current outreach programme that takes professionally-coached rugby to local schools and finds new recruits in return;
  • Professional training of the club’s coaches and trainers to deliver warm ups and conditioning programmes specifically designed for female athletes in the club’s newly-built gym.

Tracy Parry, Farnham Girls Section Chair said, “The partnership will allow us to give further opportunities to the girls and it gives them a really great pathway and lets them know that there is a route for them to play rugby at a higher level.”

Farnham player EJ Bowdler said, “We enjoy rugby because of the fun we have and the family community we have within our club. We’re really excited by the opportunities that Ealing Trailfinders will give us and we look forward for what’s to come in the future.”

Simon Sinclair, Chief Operating Officer of Ealing Trailfinders Academy and Women’s Programme, said, “We are absolutely delighted that Farnham have joined our project to support local girls rugby programmes and help grow the game. On arrival at the club I was blown away by the outstanding facilities, the enthusiasm from the girls and the support of many volunteers.

“We are really proud to have Farnham Rugby Club as a partner of our Place of Development (POD) for supporting the growth of girls rugby and giving these girls a natural pathway to continue their development. We look forward to supporting the coaches and volunteers to help further their own development and give the girls an enjoyable experience.”

Jan-Henning Campher Signs New Contract

Ealing Trailfinders are delighted to announce hooker Jan-Henning Campher has signed a new long-term contract.

The 25-year-old hooker came to the club ahead of the 2021/22 season from South African side, the Lions and quickly impressed within the squad.

During last year’s double winning campaign, Campher made 12 starts in the league and five appearances off the bench. He amassed an impressive 10 tries and is looking to add to this tally this year.

Speaking about his re-signing, Campher said: “I’ve really enjoyed my first year at the club and so I’m thankful for the opportunity to extend my stay even further. The squad that has been assembled this year is really impressive and I’m excited to see what we’re able to achieve together.”

Director of Rugby Ben Ward added: “Jan-Henning really impressed all of us last year, with his work-rate, physicality and he scored a fair few tries as well. I’m pleased that he’s recommitted to the club for the long-term.”

 

Ealing Trailfinders Sign Jack Metcalf

Ealing Trailfinders are excited to confirm the signing of versatile Sale Sharks back Jack Metcalf.

The highly-rated 21-year-old, who can play centre, wing or fullback, joins Trailfinders following a successful 2021/22 season playing for Sale Sharks. Jack achieved 12 first-team appearances and scored four tries, including crossing for a Champions Cup try against Ospreys in January. Jack also featured on loan for Sale FC, scoring 11 tries and helping the National 1 club finish second behind Caldy.

Before joining Sale in March 2021, Jack was a member of the Yorkshire Carnegie Academy, achieving his Championship debut in 2019/20. He also represented Yorkshire U18’s, attended Bishop Burton College and played alongside fellow Trailfinders signing Dan Lancaster at West Park Leeds.

Ahead of his move to Vallis Way, Jack said: “When the opportunity came to join Ealing Trailfinders it was a no-brainer. It’s a great club with fantastic facilities and a clear ambition to progress even further. I can’t wait to link up with my new teammates and help the club achieve their goals next season and beyond.”

Director of Rugby Ben Ward, added: “Jack is a highly dynamic and exciting player. He is lethal in attack and adds plenty of firepower and versatility to our backline. We’re delighted Jack has agreed terms with Trailfinders and looking forward to his first season at the club.”

2022/23 Season Tickets On Sale

Don’t miss a moment of our Championship defence. Secure your season ticket today!

With the squad back in preseason training and with a number of exciting new players arriving at the club, we’re building strongly towards another successful season and working hard to reach our ultimate goal, promotion to the English Premiership.

Click here to use our new interactive ticketing system to choose your seats or standing area at Trailfinders Sports Club.

Included in your 2022/23 Season Ticket:

  • Preseason home game vs Zebre (Saturday 3rd September)
  • Cup games (excludes the semi-final and final games)
  • Priority purchase of additional tickets for fixtures and finals
  • Exclusive season ticket events
  • 2 X bring a friend for free tickets

2022/2023 Season Ticket Prices:

  • Upper Grandstand Seating – £230
  • Ground Seating (Grandstand, Bugeja Stand, East Stand) – £200
  • Ground Standing – £185
  • £5 car parking

To purchase your season ticket click here.

For assistance please email: info@etprm.com

Peter Robb Signs For Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders are thrilled to announce the signing of Irish centre Peter Robb ahead of the 2022/23 Championship season.

The powerful ball-runner arrives at Vallis Way following seven seasons at Connacht, achieving 49 appearances, and featuring in the 2015/16 Pro12 Final victory over Leinster at Murrayfield.

The Connacht Academy graduate, who grew up in Dublin playing rugby for Willow Park School and Blackrock College, has also represented Leinster U19s and was capped fives times by Ireland U20s.

Speaking ahead of his move to Trailfinders, Peter said: “I’m extremely happy to be joining Ealing and I can’t wait to link up with my new teammates. The club are building something special and I’m really looking forward to being part of their project.”

Director of Rugby Ben Ward, added: “We’re very excited to welcome Peter to Ealing. He is a physical and dangerous player, who will strengthen our squad and add firepower to our attack and defence. We’re delighted Peter has signed for Trailfinders and we’re looking forward to the impact he will make at our club.”

 

2022/23 Championship Fixtures Announced

The 2022/23 Championship fixtures have been confirmed.

The league competition will be played over 22 rounds, beginning over the weekend of 10-11 September, with the final round scheduled for the weekend of 29-30 April next year. 

The league will consist of 12 teams in the upcoming season after Caldy secured promotion to the Championship after topping National 1.

The Championship Cup takes place over six rounds followed by a semi-final (5-6 May) and final (13-14 May) following the conclusion of the league season. The Cup kicks off on the weekend of 5-6 November with rounds two and three over the following two weekends. Rounds 3-6 also run over consecutive weekends beginning on 4-5 February.

2021/22 Championship winners Ealing Trailfinders kick-off the league season with a blockbuster home fixture against Doncaster on 10 September. The Knights completed the double over Trailfinders last season and will once again prove tricky opponents for Ben Ward’s squad.

Ealing then travel to Dillingham Park to face Ampthill in round two, before a home clash with Hartpury on 24 September. The following week, Ealing travel to Butts Park Arena to face Coventry. Both clubs faced off in a heated Championship Cup Final in May, with Trialfinders clinching the match 19-13 to secure a third straight Cup title.

Ealing then have league matches against Richmond (H), London Scottish (A) and Nottingham (H), before kicking-off their Cup defence in November with ties against Hartpury (H), Nottingham (A) and Jersey (H).

Returning to league action and heading into the festive season, Trailfinders travel to Penzance for a crunch league clash with Cornish Pirates on 3 December, before rounding off 2022 with exciting fixtures against Bedford (H), Caldy (A) and Jersey (H).

Ealing embark on the final stages of the league season with a home clash with newcomers Caldy on 15 April, before two massive away fixtures against Jersey on 22 April and Doncaster on 29 April.

Click here for the full Championship fixture list.

2022/23 Season Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday 29th June.

 

Preseason Matches:

(KO times to be confirmed)

Thursday 18 August

Biarritz Olympique v Ealing Trailfinders

Saturday 20 August

Rosslyn Park v Ealing Trailfinders

Friday 26 August

Richmond v Ealing Trailfinders

Saturday 3 September

Ealing Trailfinders v Zebre

Championship Fixtures:

(Exact fixture dates and KO times to be confirmed. Home fixtures are likely to be Saturday 3pm KO)

Round 1 (10 September)

Ealing Trailfinders v Doncaster

Round 2 (17 September)

Ampthill v Ealing Trailfinders

Round 3 (24 September)

Ealing Trailfinders v Hartpury University

Round 4 (1 October)

Coventry v Ealing Trailfinders

Round 5 (8 October)

Ealing Trailfinders v Richmond

Round 6 (22 October)

London Scottish v Ealing Trailfinders

Round 7 (29 October)

Ealing Trailfinders v Nottingham

Cup Round 1 (5 November)

Ealing Trailfinders v Hartpury University

Cup Round 2 (12 November)

Nottingham v Ealing Trailfinders

Cup Round 3 (19 November)

Ealing Trailfinders v Jersey

Round 8 (3 December)

Cornish Pirates v Ealing Trailfinders

Round 9 (10 December)

Ealing Trailfinders v Bedford Blues

Round 10 (17 December)

Caldy v Ealing Trailfinders

Round 11 (24 December)

Ealing Trailfinders v Jersey

Round 12 (14 January)

Ealing Trailfinders v Ampthill

Round 13 (21 January)

Hartpury University v Ealing Trailfinders

Round 14 (28 January)

Ealing Trailfinders v Coventry

Cup Round 4 (4 February)

Jersey v Ealing Trailfinders

Cup Round 5 (11 February)

Ealing Trailfinders v Nottingham

Cup Round 6 (18 February)

Hartpury University v Ealing Trailfinders

Round 15 (4 March)

Richmond v Ealing Trailfinders

Round 16 (11 March)

Ealing Trailfinders v London Scottish

Round 17 (18 March)

Nottingham v Ealing Trailfinders

Round 18 (25 March)

Ealing Trailfinders v Cornish Pirates

Round 19 (1 April)

Bedford Blues v Ealing Trailfinders

Round 20 (15 April)

Ealing Trailfinders v Caldy

Round 21 (22 April)

Jersey v Ealing Trailfinders

Round 22 (29 April)

Doncaster v Ealing Trailfinders

Cup Semi-Final (6 May)

Cup Final (13 May)

Partnership Confirmed With Bishops Diocesan College

Ealing Trailfinders and Bishops Diocesan College, Cape Town, are delighted to announce an exciting new partnership between the club and the school.

Bishops is a school steeped in rugby history with numerous internationals over the years, including four players in the South Africa U20’s programme for the upcoming Summer Series in Italy.

The partnership will provide cultural exchanges for students in England and South Africa to have the opportunity to play in another country, experience a different environment and continue their rugby development. It will also provide cross-over of coaching and exchanging of ideas for staff to visit different learning environments. Ealing currently have a number of players in the academy set-up who have adapted well since arriving from South Africa and this will further expand the programme. The opportunity for players to continue their education while being a professional athlete is hugely important to their development. With eight players in the academy currently training with the first-team squad this shows the clubs commitment to developing talent through the Brunel University pathway.

Simon Sinclair, Chief Operating Officer of Ealing Trailfinders Academy and Women’s Programme, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the club to link with a school that are at the forefront of rugby in South Africa. Not only do they play a great brand of rugby, they are fully focused on developing the individual and providing an excellent training and education programme. I’ve always had a great connection with the school but having spent time with Wes Chetty (Head of Rugby) and the coaching staff, it was extremely exciting to hear how open they are to sharing ideas and working together to improve and develop both environments. We don’t want to be restricted by location or country in our bid to find and develop the best talent.”

Angus Firth, Teacher in Charge of Rugby at Bishops, added: “Expanding our rugby boys’ opportunities in and after school is integral to our programme. We are very excited to partner with Ealing Trailfinders who are at the forefront of innovative rugby training and coaching. We look forward to collaborating and sharing ideas and resources with the club. The added opportunity for our boys and coaches to visit on exchange and vice versa will be massively beneficial to our rugby plan. The added incentive for our rugby players would be a possible future at Ealing Trailfinders, while furthering their education at Brunel University.”

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Trailfinders Win Summer Social Women’s 7s

Trailfinders were delighted to sponsor its first ever Women’s 7s Team who ran out unbeaten winners at last Saturday’s Summer Social at Richmond.

Ealing Director of Rugby Ben Ward and Women’s Performance Manager Lou Meadows recognised a gap in the pathway for aspiring England 7s players who are called into training camps but then don’t get the chance to compete as a team. Trailfinders approached England 7s to offer a great opportunity for these players to play together as a squad in a competitive tournament. Amy Turner (England U20s) led the coaching team and communicated with James Rodwell (Head of England 7s) throughout the competition. Trailfinders also called upon former England and Olympic 7s player Alice Richardson-Watmore to provide tactical coaching.

Late call-ups to the England squad and the Super 7s Series required Lou Meadows to select players from the Ealing Trailfinders U20s programme, including Sophie Malton of Henley College: “Having watched Sophie in training and at recent tournaments, I knew she would be ready to step up to this level. With younger players it is really important to consider their mental and emotional ability to cope with senior rugby and I discussed this carefully with Kim Oliver, her coach at Henley, who also spoke with her parents. We agreed that this would be a fantastic opportunity for Sophie if she wanted to be involved and I’m so glad she did because she was fantastic. Her energy, determination to learn fast and her can-do attitude was a great example of the exciting talent we have coming through our women’s pathway.”

The Trailfinders Team (who featured a number of Premiership players who form part of the wider England 7s squad) showed their class and talent by winning all three pool matches against Thamesians, Belsize and Tropic 7s. They then proved too strong for the Wild Dogs in the semi-final, before seeing off a skilful Jesters squad to secure the Summer Social title.

Simon Sinclair, COO of the Women’s Programme, commented: “This was a fantastic chance for us to start showcasing our vision and strategy for the women’s game. With our exciting plans and financial investment into growing the girls and women’s game this was a perfect start for us. We are really pleased for Lou and the team and we are very excited to share more news in the coming weeks.”

David O’Connor Signs Permanent Deal

We are pleased to announce that David O’Connor has signed for Ealing Trailfinders, ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The 6’3 athletic back-row/second-row joined Ulster from All-Ireland League club, Lansdowne in the summer of 2019 on a development contract. He went on to make 15 appearances for the Irish side in the United Rugby Championship.

He arrived at Vallis Way in February on-loan from Ulster to bolster options for the men in green and white for the run-in of the Championship campaign. He’s played four times for Trailfinders, appearing in every match during the successful Championship Cup run.

Discussing his permanent move to Ealing, David said: “I really enjoyed playing in the cup campaign and being apart of a great year for the club, I’m excited to have signed permanently for next season. I can’t wait to get started again and contributing towards another successful season at Ealing Trailfinders.”

Director of Rugby Ben Ward commented: “David has been great during his loan spell here in West London. We are pleased to be able to make this a permanent deal and I look forward to continue working with him next season.”

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