Ealing Trailfinders can announce that Welsh prop Brad Thyer has retired from professional rugby.

After a stellar decade-long career in Rugby, Thyer has decided to hang up his boots, having achieved a considerable amount in the game.

The 31-year-old came through the Cardiff Rugby Academy, representing Pontypridd RFC on loan during his developing years. He went on to play for Cardiff 92 times in his ten years of service there.

While in Wales, Thyer set up his blossoming coffee brand, Fat Dragon Coffee, with friend and fellow Welshman Dillon Lewis, meaning he was instantly named Head Barista when he moved to Ealing Trailfinders.

During his time in W13, Thyer struggled with injuries, representing Trailfinders on one occasion, but he added a huge amount to the team’s culture and is loved by everyone around TFSC.

After announcing his retirement, Thyer said: “I have been so grateful for the opportunity to play rugby as my job for the past 10 years. Growing up in the Rhondda Valley, it was always a goal of mine to play the sport I love for as long as I could, so to be able to call it a job has been a privilege.

“It’s impossible to thank Rhiannon, my Dad and the rest of my family enough for their immense sacrifices and support through all the injuries, ups, and downs that come with professional sports. Thank you to every player, coach, and supporter who has played a part in that journey.

“I look forward now to a new challenge, but will remain an avid supporter of Ealing Trailfinders, Cardiff Rugby and Pontypridd RFC.”

Director of Rugby Ben Ward said: “Brad has had a brilliant career in professional rugby and we have enjoyed having him during his time here. We wish him all the best in his future career and I hope he’ll keep supplying the lads with Fat Dragon Coffee, they can’t go without it!”

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Come and join us at Trailfinders Sports Club on Wednesday 14th August for the annual T20 cricket match between Trailfinders Rugby Academy and Ealing Trailfinders Cricket Club.

The match will be underway from 18:00, with men’s first team players in attendance.

Make sure you tuck into the BBQ and a grab a pint at the bar as you watch the match unfold.

There will also be a first opportunity to purchase the Brand New Men’s and Women’s 2024-25 Replica Home Shirt ahead of the new season.

Click here to purchase season tickets for the 2024-25 campaign

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Forty Red Roses, including two from Trailfinders Women, will link up for the team’s first training camp of the 2024/25 season today (Monday 29 July).

John Mitchell’s side ended a successful 2023/24 campaign by earning a third consecutive Guinness Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam in April, adding to the inaugural WXV 1 title secured in New Zealand six months previous.

Liz Crake and Abby Dow, both of whom are centrally contracted, make up the Trailfinders contingent in the Red Roses camp.

England will spend five weeks as a collective before attacking the challenge of Six Nations runners-up France and World Champions New Zealand in September.

The squad then head out to Canada for WXV 1 where they will face the hosts, USA and the Black Ferns once again.

Head Coach Mitchell said: “Our first camp of 2024/25 allows us to reset what we stand for and how we will carry ourselves as Red Roses moving forward.

“Our game is working, and we have an opportunity to dial it up again. There is a massive amount of room to improve individually and evolve our game over the next five weeks.”

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