Ealing Trailfinders name their lineup to play London Scottish in Round Eight of the Champ.

Biyi Alo returns to the field for the first time this season at tighthead prop. Alongside him in the front row is centurion Kyle Whyte at loosehead and Matt Cornish at hooker.

Jordy Reid retains his place as skipper after Ealing Trailfinders defeated Doncaster Knights at Trailfinders Sports Club a fortnight ago.

In the engine room, Bobby de Wee retains his place from Round Seven. Matas Jurevicius lines up alongside him.

Alongside Reid in the back row is Kyle Hatherell at blindside flanker. Will Montgomery stays at number eight in an unchanged back row after the win against Doncaster.

Craig Hampson and Dan Jones start in the halfbacks. Rory Scannell starts at inside centre with Reuben Bird-Tulloch on the outside.

On the wings are Patrick Campbell and Francis Moore. Tobi Wilson starts at fullback.

Geordie Irvine makes his season debut for the Club on the bench. Josh Taylor and Geordie Gwynn return to the matchday squad after being called up for international duty as part of the Emerging Scotland squad. Ben Ward names a 5-3 split on the bench.

Kick-off is at 15:00 Saturday 29 November at Richmond Athletic Ground.

Watch live on Clubber TV.

Starting XV:

15. Tobi Wilson

14. Francis Moore

13. Reuben Bird-Tulloch

12. Rory Scannell

11. Patrick Campbell

10. Dan Jones

9. Craig Hampson

1. Kyle Whyte

2. Matt Cornish

3. Biyi Alo

4. Bobby De Wee

5. Matas Jurevicius

6. Kyle Hatherell

7. Jordy Reid (C)

8. Will Montgomery

Replacements:

16. Scott Buckley

17. Lefty Zigiriadis

18. George Davis

19. Geordie Irvine

20. Josh Taylor

21. Michael Stronge

22. Jordan Holgate

23. Geordie Gwynn

Ealing Trailfinders are delighted to announce that Brodie Robinson will be joining the Club. 

The young winger will be joining Trailfinders a quarter way through the Champ Rugby season after playing his rugby at Tasman Mako in New Zealand.

Robinson played with Tasman as part of the National Provincial Championship (NPC) in New Zealand. His signing adds increased youth and depth in the back line at Trailfinders.

On signing for the Club, Robinson said: 

“I’m really excited to join Ealing Trailfinders. It’s a great club with a strong culture.

“They play a great brand of rugby and I’m looking forward to contributing to the team’s success and working with my new teammates.”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, said: 

“We’re excited to get Brodie into the Club after his time with Tasman. We have watched lots of his footage from his time playing in the NPC in New Zealand and were impressed by his skills.

“Brodie brings attributes that we look for in the back three: speed, power, and aerial ability. We are looking forward to seeing how he develops at Ealing Trailfinders.”

We are delighted to confirm the extension of our partnership with Lords Builders Merchants for a landmark 10th year of the relationship.

A mainstay of trade across the South East, Lords Builders Merchants have also become a familiar presence at our home games – backing the team from the stands and bringing added energy through their popular matchday activations for supporters in the FunZone.

This season, Lords once again feature on the back of our Men’s shirts, while also taking pride of place on the sleeve of Trailfinders Women for the first time – a clear reflection of their commitment to the Club’s continue growth, our community, and supporting rugby for all.

Ricky Coakley, Merchanting Managing Director, Lords Builders Merchants said:

“We’re incredibly proud to be renewing our sponsorship with Ealing Trailfinders for the tenth consecutive year. Over the past decade, our partnership has gone from strength to strength, built on shared values of commitment, teamwork, and ambition. To see the club’s continued progress and success on and off the pitch has been inspiring, and we’re excited to continue this journey together.

“On behalf of everyone at Lords Builders Merchants, we would like to wish the players, coaches, and supporters a successful season.”

Ben Ward, Managing Director, Ealing Trailfinders said:

Lords are a longtime partner of the Club and one that have been supremely supportive over the last decade – we’re incredibly proud to celebrate ten years of partnership together.

“Their continued support represents shared values, loyalty, and belief in what we’re building both on and off the field – it speaks volumes as to the progress we’ve made in this time. We’re incredibly thankful for their ongoing belief in what we do and are pleased to be continuing the journey together.”

To find out more about Lords Builders Merchants, visit their website here.

Ealing Trailfinders extended their unbeaten run to seven games after a 35-21 victory against Doncaster Knights at Trailfinders Sports Club.

Tries from Tom Collins, Matt Cornish, Scott Buckley and a brace from Francis Moore helped secure the bonus-point win.

The results leaves Ealing Trailfinders seven points clear at the top of the Champ Rugby table.

The match was played at a frenetic pace in the opening ten minutes, and Trailfinders’ Collins managed to pick up where he left off last week for the game’s opening score. The winger hit a brilliant line and had enough to stretch out and score.

Doncaster hit back around the 20-minute mark. Connor Edwards broke up the middle of the pitch, and offloaded to former Trailfinder Ollie Fox to score underneath the sticks. The visitors took the lead after a successful conversion.

Trailfinders regained the lead from a Dan Jones penalty, and moments later Matt Cornish extended the advantage. Cornish broke from a powerful rolling maul and dived over on the blindside.

Francis Moore scored Trailfinders’ third shortly after. Ben Ward’s side were in a dangerous position and drew defenders in, which allowed Tobi Wilson to set up Moore with a looping pass over the top.

The Knights had the final say in the first-half when Joe Margetts kicked through and the ball ricocheted into his hands for a straightforward run-in.

Half-time: Ealing Trailfinders 20-14 Doncaster Knights

Ealing Trailfinders’ powerful rolling maul was at it again in the second 40. This time, Buckley was able to profit for the home side’s bonus-point score.

Moore’s second try, with ten minutes to go, all but sealed an impressive win for Trailfinders. The centre, who was now playing on the wing, received the ball inside his own half and left defenders scattered all over the pitch as he raced to the line.

With the clock in red, Doncaster’s Jordan Olowofela scored a consolation try, leaving the final score Ealing Trailfinders 35 Doncaster Knights 21.

Full-time: Ealing Trailfinders 35-21 Doncaster Knights

Ealing Trailfinders – 

Tries: Tom Collins 8, Matt Cornish 33, Francis Moore 38 70, Scott Buckley 51

Conversions: Dan Jones 34 71

Penalties: Dan Jones 30 79

Doncaster Knights –

Tries: Ollie Fox 18, Joe Margetts 40, Jordan Olowofela 80

Conversions: Morgan Bunting 19 40, Will Wooton 80

Centurion Kyle Whyte discussed getting his 100th cap in Round Six of the Champ and the differences between loosehead and tighthead prop. 

After Whyte signed for the Club in 2021, the forward prop made his 100th appearance for the club against Ampthill in Round Six. He becomes the ninth centurion at the Club in the professional era.

“It’s obviously a big thing for me and my family,” Whyte said on achieving his 100th cap. “Obviously it was a very awesome experience going out there and playing for the boys experiencing 100 caps. I’ve never done it for any other clubs, so it’s a big deal for me, so I really enjoyed it.”

For the South African, 100th cap celebrations were mellow with the rugby season in full force. But a successful weekend of South African rugby in the Quilter Nations Series felt like the right way to celebrate.

We went for a few quiet ones after the game and watched the Springboks get a win against France. So very happy. A good weekend all around.”

The 30-year-old has had an extensive career at Trailfinders and beyond. He discussed some of his favourite moments from playing at Ealing Trailfinders.

“There’s been some very big moments in my career, but obviously, like the really close, hard fought wins, like the game we had against Pirates away, around December time, we had to fight through that to get that win.

“There have been a few trips to Jersey over the years where it’s been a really nice bonding experience.

“But obviously lifting the trophy three times with the team has been an amazing experience. I’m glad I’ve been able to do that three times and hopefully get number four this season.”

Left to right: Elliot Chilvers, George Davies, Kyle Whyte at 2024/25 Championship trophy lift

Whyte returns to loosehead prop this weekend after covering tighthead prop in recent matches. Whilst Whyte is one of few props who can fluidly move between the two positions, he emphasised the differences and difficulties of the two positions.

“It’s not as easy as people think,” Whyte said. “People think it’s just pushing. I’ve had the experience of playing both sides of the scrum. Being able to play both sides has come with experience and getting loads of reps at both sides.

“It obviously takes a bit of time to get back into it, but often a few scrummaging sessions and a few games, I can switch over.

“The gist of it is, as a loosehead, you need to try and keep the scrum up. As a tighthead you want to try and take the scrum down. So it’s very different muscles you’re using and a very different technique.

“I think it’s easier to swap from tighthead to loosehead, but obviously loosehead back to tighthead takes a bit of time because it’s completely different mechanisms. trying to drive down rather than up.”

Not many teams can say they’ve gone six games from six in any league. Ealing Trailfinders remain unbeaten in the Champ so far, despite a close scoreline against Hartpury in Round Five. Whyte offered his thoughts on how the 2025/26 season was unfolding so far.

“It has between an amazing start of the season. Obviously, we need to try and keep up that momentum because in the past seasons, we’ve had a couple laps of concentration.

“So it’s just making sure that we come in each week focussed. With the change and structure to the Champ system, we’ve obviously now got playoffs.

“It’s just making sure that we’re staying fresh, rotating the team, and then obviously putting ourselves in the best position to have a home quarter and home semi-final.”

This weekend, Ealing Trailfinders host Doncaster Knights for Round Seven. Last season, both fixtures between the two sides resulted in narrow scorelines. Yet, both fixtures were won by Doncaster.

Trailfinders will be looking to change that narrative this weekend.

“I think for Doncaster coming to Ealing is basically their World Cup final.

“They always come switched on, they always come with big energy and a big game, always try and get in our face, try and be the bully.

“But I think this weekend we’ve got a point to prove. We’ve obviously lost the last three games against them. We need to step up this weekend if we’re going to win.”

Ealing Trailfinders name their lineup to play Doncaster Knights in Round Seven of the Champ.

Jordy Reid returns as skipper this weekend for Ealing Trailfinders’ third home game of the season.

After being capped as the ninth centurion for the Club last weekend, Kyle Whyte returns to loosehead after providing cover at tighthead in recent matches. Alongside him in the front row is Matt Cornish and Adam Nicol.

Bobby de Wee retains his place in the engine room. Danny Cutmore returns to the second row this weekend.

Alongside Reid in the back row is Kyle Hatherell at blindside flanker. Will Montgomery comes in at number eight.

An unchanged halfback pairing after last weekend’s eleven try win over Ampthill sees Craig Hampson and Dan Jones retain their places at scrum-half and fly-half respectively.

Jordan Holgate returns to inside centre with Francis Moore on the outside.

Tom Collins and Patrick Campbell are on the wings with Tobi Wilson at fullback.

Ben Ward names a 5-3 split bench.

Kick-off is at 15:00 Sunday 16 November at Trailfinders Sports Club.

Watch live on Clubber TV.

Starting XV:

15. Tobi Wilson

14. Patrick Campbell

13. Francis Moore

12. Jordan Holgate

11. Tom Collins

10. Dan Jones

9. Craig Hampson

1. Kyle Whyte

2. Matt Cornish

3. Adam Nicol

4. Bobby De Wee

5. Danny Cutmore

6. Kyle Hatherell

7. Jordy Reid (C)

8. Will Montgomery

Replacements:

16. Scott Buckley

17. Lefty Zigiriadis

18. George Davis

19. Sean Lonsdale

20. Rob Farrar

21. Michael Stronge

22. Rory Scannell

23. Reuben Bird-Tulloch

Ealing Trailfinders claimed their sixth consecutive win of the season to maintain their unbeaten start to the Champ Rugby campaign.

Braces from Tom Collins and Tobi Wilson helped the away side to a 0-71 victory at Dillingham Park.

The results leaves Ealing Trailfinders at the top of the Champ Rugby table after six rounds of action.

After a dominant opening ten minutes, Bobby De Wee broke the deadlock through a pick and go, forcing his way over underneath the posts.

Shortly after, Ealing Trailfinders’ Angus Kernohan received a yellow card for taking the player out in the air. Ampthill looked to capitalise with their extra man, but the visitors’ defence held strong.

Trailfinders went on to win the sin bin period. Matt Cornish broke up the middle of the field, the ball was moved wide in the next phase, and Wilson was on the overlap to dot down in the corner.

Ealing Trailfinders looked dangerous again with ten minutes of the first-half to play. Replacement Kyle Hatherell extended their advantage when he crashed over from close range. Dan Jones was on hand to stretch the lead out to 21 points.

The bonus point was secured with the clock in red. A powerful rolling maul was stopped just short of the line, the ball was moved out to the far touchline and Collins fought off the covering defender to score.

Half-time: Ampthill 0-26 Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders picked up in the second half where they left off in the first. Francis Moore recievevd the ball 5m out, found a gap and dotted it down.

After a try in the opening 40, Collins was at it again. He broke down the left wing, put the grubber inside, which allowed Craig Hampson, who was running the support line, to collect and score.

Geordie Gwynn made an instant impact from the bench shortly after, he made the break, threw the dummy to beat the fullback, and dived over.

Collins linked up with Michael Stronge to score his brace moments later. He burst down the left wing, passed inside to Stronge and then received it back to score in the corner.

Will Montgomery continued his outstanding try-scoring form when he was at the end of another Collins line break.

In the final five minutes, Josh Taylor broke from a rolling maul, and Wilson crossed the whitewash for a second time to round off a brilliant afternoon for Ealing Trailfinders.

Full-time: Ampthill 0-71 Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders – 

Tries: Bobby De Wee 8, Tobi Wilson 19 80, Kyle Hatherell 31, Tom Collins 40 63, Francis Moore 47, Craig Hampson 53, Geordie Gwynn 58, Will Montgomery 63, Josh Taylor 74

Conversions: Dan Jones 9 20 32 48, Rory Scannell 54 59 64 75

Yellow cards: Angus Kernohan 16

Siya Ningiza starts in the back row for the first time this season after proving himself in training amongst a competitive squad 

Born in South Africa, Ningiza started playing rugby in the back line. In his early teen years, his coach encouraged him into the forwards. Since then, he’s focussed on the back row.

Ningiza has fought hard in training to secure his place in the matchday squad against Ampthill this weekend.

He offered his thoughts ahead of the match.

“I’m excited but also a bit nervous. This is my first start since the pre-season game we had against Chinnor which feels like a while now.

“I’ve been fighting to get a starting jersey and this week shows that my hard work is paying off.”

Ealing Trailfinders’ back row depth has strengthened due to retainment of key playmakers and new signings in the back row such as Conor Oliver and Kyle Hatherell. Ningiza spoke about the healthy competition within the squad and how other players have helped him to improve areas of his game.

“I think the biggest learning that I’ve got from the guys that have been here and the new signings as well is that consistency is key.

“Coach Ward has told me a couple of times that one week I’m training well and another week I’m off so consistency is the biggest thing I’ve learned from the new signings and other guys in the forward pack.”

Ningiza emphasised that consistency was the key area of his game that he had been working on to improve.

“I think the biggest flaw in my game has been that consistency. I want to be a more consistent player.

“I’m an emotional person so in the past, when things have gone wrong, I have switched off before. Being consistent with my mentality is something I’ve been working with other players, particularly Bobby de Wee.

“I rely a lot on teammates’ energies to lift myself up. Bobby is an emotional guy as well, but he shakes things off if they don’t always go to plan. I’m progressing towards that and thinking about moving on from things that don’t go to plan and focussing on where we can improve next.”

Ealing Trailfinders opposition this week is Ampthill who are tenth in the Champ Rugby table.

“I played against Ampthill last season,” Ningiza said. “They have a lot of Fijian players in their side, who will bring a lot of physicality to the field.

“If we don’t bring the physicality before they do, we’ll be knocked back and be on the back foot. We’ve got to bring the physicality to them.”

On the culture of healthy squad competition at Trailfinders, players are awarded with a prize for whoever gets the most dominant tackles.

“The prize creates competition amongst the loose forwards,” Ningiza said.

Born in South African, Ningiza has been in the UK for over twelve months. Whilst he initially found the wider culture change difficult, he would like a long-term future in the UK.

“When I first arrived around this time last year, it was a lot colder. It was initially a shock but you get used to it.

“Going into central London initially was very different to South Africa because it’s busier. I did get a bit of anxiety going into central but I don’t think I’m the only person that finds central London overwhelming.

“At first, I didn’t see a long-term future in the UK. But now, I would like to stay here for another four to five years. Having other South Africans at the Club who had lived in the UK for a longer time helped me. Bobby, Mike Willemse, and Kyle Whyte have been here for years and they helped me transition from life in South Africa to life in Europe.”

Whilst South Africa has eleven different languages due to its different regions and tribal histories, London is equally diverse but with people from all over the world.

“I wasn’t exposed to things like Chinese food or Nigerian food in South Africa. I wouldn’t say I go out of my way to try new things but if I see something I like on social media, I’ll give it a try.

“But the thing with TikTok is, you type something into the search bar once and then you get a lot of it on your feed. So, I’m always seeing new places to try.”

Ealing Trailfinders name their lineup to play Ampthill in Round Six of the Champ.

Director of Rugby Ben Ward has made eleven changes to the matchday squad ahead of Round Six against Ampthill.

Kyle Whyte will become a centurion this weekend, achieving his 100th cap for Ealing Trailfinders.

Josh Taylor retains his position as skipper after captaining Trailfinders to a win in Round Five against Hartpury last weekend.

Siya Ningiza gets his first start of the season in the back row alongside Taylor. David Bridge returns to the squad but shifts from the second row to the back row.

In the front row, James Kenny gets his first start at loosehead prop this season. Alongside him in the front row is Matt Cornish and Kyle Whyte.

In the engine room are Bobby de Wee and Sean Lonsdale.

Craig Hampson returns to scrum-half alongside Dan Jones at ten who retains his place in the squad.

Rory Scannell gets his first start at inside centre this season with Francis Moore on the outside.

Ben Ward names a revised back three with Tom Collins and Angus Kernohan returning to the wings. Tobi Wilson returns to fullback.

Elliot Chilvers makes the matchday 23 for the first time this season. On the bench with Chilvers is Danny Cutmore, Kyle Hatherell, and Michael Stronge in a 6-2 bench split.

Kick-off is at 14:00 Saturday 8 November at Dillingham Park.

Watch live on Clubber TV.

Starting XV:

15. Tobi Wilson

14. Angus Kernohan

13. Francis Moore

12. Rory Scannell

11. Tom Collins

10. Dan Jones

9. Craig Hampson

1. James Kenny

2. Matt Cornish

3. Kyle White

4. Bobby De Wee

5. Sean Lonsdale

6. Josh Taylor (c)

7. Siya Ningiza

8. David Bridge

Replacements:

16. Scott Buckley

17. Elliot Chilvers

18. Adam Nicol

19. Danny Cutmore

20. Kyle Hatherell

21. Will Montgomery

22. Michael Stronge

23. Geordie Gwynn

Ealing Trailfinders secure a fifth consecutive bonus-point win against Hartpury in a battle against the elements.

The opening of the match began with an aerial battle where Trailfinders and Hartpury kicked for territory.

Hartpury were rewarded an early penalty and kicked to the corner. Trailfinders disrupted the line out for turnover ball.

The aerial battle continued and Hartpury kicked the ball dead, giving Trailfinders a free kick. Hartpury knocked it on in the 22 giving Trailfinders a dominant scrum. They drove through the phases and flanker Jordy Reid got over the line for the opening score.

Hartpury continued to play with speed and quick ball in the centre of the field.

Another penalty to Trailfinders meant the men in green kicked to the corner from the boot of Dan Jones. Scott Buckley threw the line out and Trailfinders drove forward. At the back of the maul, Buckley held onto the ball and got over the line. Dan Jones successfully converted.

Trailfinders entered the red zone again after Hartpury conceded a series of penalties but the visitors kept their defence strong and were awarded a penalty by referee Jamie Parr.

Hartpury continued with their blitz defence creating tight contests in the centre of the field. Both sides continued to box kick in a battle for territory.

Another offside penalty for Hartpury gave Trailfinders another kick to the corner. Once more, Trailfinders went through the phases, fronting up to Hartpury’s defence. But too many infringements from the visitors meant that Parr went to his pocket and sent Harrison Bellamy to the sin bin.

Another line out for Trailfinders in the red zone saw the home side go through the phases. After trying the short side, Trailfinders flung the ball out wide to Deago Bailey who touched down in the corner for the third try.

An interception for Hartpury’s Keir Clark with open field in front of him gave Hartpury their first score just before half-time. Hartpury’s conversion was unsuccessful.

Half-time: Ealing Trailfinders 17-5 Hartpury

Loose ball after the kick-off gave Trailfinders a scrum in Hartpury’s half. Patrick Campbell ran the ball down the left channel but a miscommunication meant that Parr marched back for a Trailfinders penalty on the forty metre mark. Jones kicked to the corner.

Trailfinders went to the set piece: a line out to driving maul was defended by the visitors who held Trailfinders up and were rewarded a penalty by Parr.

Hartpury found attacking flow but Trailfinders held strong. Jordy Reid gathered the ball from a Hartpury kick just outside the home side’s try area. The ball went out to Jones who kicked the ball into touch.

Both sides battled against the conditions of sleeting rain in West London, increasing the difficulty of the aerial battle.

A dominant scrum from Trailfinders and a deceptive play from the back of the scrum gave Will Montgomery space to carry ten metres. The ball was whisked out to the skipper Josh Taylor who picked a beautiful line to secure the bonus-point try for Trailfinders. It was a successful conversion for Jones.

Hartpury found attacking form in Trailfinders’ 22 with three-quarters of the game gone. Parr gave Hartpury a penalty after Trailfinders infringed for being offside. Hartpury threw a strong line out and drove the maul over the try line to secure a second score by Ethan Hunt. Harry Bazalgette was successful with the conversion.

A kick chase game down the field gave Hartpury their third score in a footballing contest scored by Oscar Lennon. Bazalgette converted to narrow the scoreline.

Trailfinders went through the phases after the kick-off. Sam Edwards put boot to ball for a fantastic nudge into Hartpury’s 22. Trailfinders were pushed back but Hartpury conceded a penalty on the halfway line. Rory Scannell kicked the ball into touch ten metres out from Hartpury’s try area.

Hartpury turned defence into attack and ran the ball down field in another footballing display. Hartpury continued to opt for the kicking options which were charged down by Trailfinders. The home side eventually dragged the visitors into touch.

The aerial battle continued with five minutes left to go with only five points between the home side and the visitors. Kick tennis ensued until Hartpury kicked it dead. Jamie Parr marched both sides down into Hartpury’s half for a Trailfinders scrum.

Hartpury conceded a penalty and Trailfinders opted for a kick at goal. Scannell slotted the penalty.

The visitors ran one last attacking play but Trailfinders held strong to deny Hartpury losing bonus points.

Full-time: Ealing Trailfinders 27-19 Hartpury

Ealing Trailfinders:

Tries: Jordy Reid 6, Scott Buckley 11, Deago Bailey 29, Josh Taylor 53

Conversions: Dan Jones 12 53

Penalty: Rory Scannell 78

Hartpury:

Tries: Keir Clark 37, Ethan Hunt 62, Oscar Lennon 65

Conversions: Harry Bazalgette 62 65

Yellow cards: Harrison Bellamy 26

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