We’re excited to host our inaugural Rugby Club Recruitment Fair at Brunel University on Wednesday 26th April.
This is a free event for rugby clubs to visit our Trailfinders Rugby Academy at Brunel University and speak to academy players about exit routes and graduate jobs with playing rugby after university.
Date: Wednesday 26th April
Time: 2pm-4pm
Location: Rugby Gym, Brunel University, UB8 3PH
To confirm your attendance please email: academy@etprm.com.
Ealing Trailfinders are pleased to announce the signing of experienced loosehead prop, Lewis Boyce, from Premiership side Bath Rugby for the rest of the season.
The 26-year-old will link up with the Trailfinders squad immediately, as they look to retain their Championship crown.
Middlesbrough born, Boyce followed a very similar path as former teammate and England international Danny Care. Both initially played for their hometown clubs, before then attending Prince Henry’s Grammar School in Otley and playing for the then Yorkshire Carnegie Academy.
He made his debut for the Headingly outfit against Rotherham in 2014 and remained in Yorkshire for a further three years, featuring in the 2017 Championship play-off final.
In 2016, Boyce was part of the England U20 side that won the Junior World Cup in Manchester. He played alongside the likes of Jack Willis, Will Stuart, Max Malins and Joe Marchant as they beat Ireland in the final 45-21.
In 2017, his performances in the second tier led to a switch to Harlequins for whom he debuted in the Premiership in 2017, making nine appearances in his maiden season.
After only six months at Quins, his fine form for the Londoners saw him named in the wider England squad ahead of the 2018 Six Nations. Although he didn’t earn an international cap, his impact as a strong scrummager with a physical presence in both attack and defence caught the eye of Bath.
Boyce signed for the West Country outfit in the summer of 2019 and has made 53 appearances since. He has proven himself as a dominant force in the set-piece as well as menace in the loose.
When speaking on the signing, Ealing Trailfinders Director of Rugby Ben Ward said: “In what is a crucial point for us in the season, we’re delighted to have signed someone of Lewis’s calibre and experience.
“He’s is such an exciting player both in the set-piece and around the park and we’re all looking forward to seeing what he can do in a Trailfinders shirt.”
Ahead of his move, Lewis Boyce said: “I’m excited to move to West London and make a strong impact. Ealing Trailfinders have been in powerful form this season and I’m excited to get stuck in straight away and help the squad achieve their goals this season.”
Ealing Trailfinders have named another strong side as they prepare to make the trip to Bedford, who are undefeated at Goldington Road so far this season.
It also promises to be a special occasion for George Davis, as the hard-working prop is set to make his 50th appearance for the club.
Joining him in the front-row will be Will Davis and Alun Walker, as the trio look to continue the scrum dominance that proved so well last weekend against Cornish Pirates.
Barney Maddison will continue to skipper the side from the second-row, as he again partners Andrew Davidson.
There is a totally changed back-row, as Adam Korczyk makes his first start of the season at openside, while Will Montgomery and Simon Uzokwe come in on the blindside and number 8 respectively.
Craig Hampson has a new partner at halfback, as Dan Lancaster comes in at fly-half, while the midfield of Pat Howard and Max Bodilly remains unchanged.
There is one change in the back-three, as Luke Daniels starts alongside Cian Kelleher and Jonah Holmes.
Among the replacements, James Gibbons, Simon Linsell and the league’s top try-scorer Carlo Tizzano, all return to the match day squad.
If you haven’t got your tickets yet for the clash at Goldington Road, you can get yours here. We’ll be providing live updates via Twitter: @EalingTFRugby.
Ealing Trailfinders team to face Bedford Blues:
15. Jonah Holmes
14. Luke Daniels
13. Max Bodilly
12. Pat Howard
11. Cian Kelleher
10. Dan Lancaster
9. Craig Hampson
1. Will Davis
2. Alun Walker
3. George Davis (50th Ealing Trailfinders appearance)
4. Andrew Davidson
5. Barney Maddison (C)
6. Will Montgomery
7. Adam Korczyk
8. Simon Uzokwe
Replacements
16. Shaun Malton
17. James Gibbons
18. Ross Kane
19. Simon Linsell
20. Carlo Tizzano
21. Jack Digby
22. Jordan Burns
23. Reuben Bird-Tulloch
The Spring Edition of Ealing Trailfinders Times is out now. Take a read for the latest club news, player and coach insights, features, competitions and community updates.
To read the latest edition of Ealing Trailfinders Times click here.
Inside this edition:
After a strong March which saw us emerge victorious in all four of our Championship encounters, it’s now time to vote for your Player of the Month.
The four nominees are:
Andrew Davidson (Second-Row)
Rob Farrar (Back-Row)
Craig Hampson (Scrum-Half)
Jonah Holmes (Fullback)
CLICK HERE to vote for your March Player of the Month.
Voting closes at 5pm on Monday 3rd April 2023. The winner will be announced via our website and social media channels in the days after voting closes.
Make sure you’re ready for this weekend’s trip to Goldington Road.
RFU CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 16
Date: Saturday 1st April
Kick-Off: 3pm
Location: Goldington Road, Bedford
Tickets: Available from £19 – click here to purchase
Coverage: Live coverage of the game will be available via our Twitter feed
ABOUT THE OPPOSITION:
Bedford have had a varied season so far, being incredibly strong at home, but having mixed results on the road.
The past month has seen big wins over Doncaster Knights and Richmond at Goldington Road, but then a shock defeat away at Nottingham last weekend.
The Blues are known for being the great entertainers in the league, constantly looking to throw the ball around and currently have the third highest points scored in the league this season (only behind ourselves and second-placed Jersey).
This Saturday will see the Blues put their unbeaten home record on the line as they look to close the gap on Coventry above them in third.
LAST TIME WE MET:
Last time we faced the Blues was back in December, as they travelled to Trailfinders Sports Club a fortnight before Christmas.
After a slow start, Trailfinders soon found their form as Shaun Malton, Carlo Tizzano and Pat Howard all dotted down to make it 21-3 at the break.
An early Matt Worley try at the start of the second period appeared to have got Bedford back in the contest, but then Malton and Tizzano each grabbed their second to give Trailfinders breathing space.
With the game heading for its conclusion an impressive solo try from the visitors’ Jake Garside was cancelled out by Cam Terry, making the full-time score Ealing Trailfinders 42-17 Bedford Blues.
FORM GUIDE:
Bedford Blues:
L: Nottingham 26-24 Bedford Blues (Sunday 26th March)
W: Bedford Blues 39-5 Richmond (Friday 17th March)
W: Hartpury 14-35 Bedford Blues (Friday 10th March)
Ealing Trailfinders:
W: Ealing Trailfinders 50-12 Cornish Pirates (Saturday 25th March)
Click here to watch match highlights.
W: Nottingham 21-41 Ealing Trailfinders (Saturday 18th March)
Click here to watch match highlights.
W: Ealing Trailfinders 66-0 London Scottish (Saturday 11th March)
Click here to watch match highlights.
MATCH OFFICIALS:
Referee: Simon Harding
AR1: Neil Chivers
AR2: Andy Ashwell
Get ready for Saturday’s Championship clash with Cornish Pirates by reading our free match programme.
Click here to read this week’s programme.
Inside this week’s programme there is:
The links for every programme will be posted across our social media channels and website each week, as well as scannable QR codes around Trailfinders Sports Club. To visit our match programme hub click here.
Click here to purchase tickets for Saturday’s match (KO 3pm).
Ealing Trailfinders have named another powerful squad for Saturday’s crucial Championship clash with Cornish Pirates.
Up front Kyle Whyte, Alun Walker and George Davis continue their impressive form, packing down in the pack alongside lock Andrew Davidson and returning skipper Barney Maddison.
Rob Farrar, Ollie Newman and Jack Digby maintain their powerful back-row combination and will be fired up to deliver another formidable performance.
In the backs, Craig Hampson and Craig Willis continue in the halves, while Pat Howard returns from injury to partner Max Bodilly in the midfield.
The back three combination of Cian Kelleher, James Cordy-Redden and Jonah Holmes continue for the fifth consecutive week and will be excited to maintain their electric form on a fast and dry pitch.
The bench is packed with experience and excitement, with the likes of Shaun Malton, Will Davis, Will Montgomery, Simon Uzokwe, Jordan Burns and Reuben Bird-Tulloch ready to make a strong impact, while prop Ross Kane and fly-half Dan Lancaster earn their return to the squad.
Tickets remain on sale for Saturday’s match, click here to purchase. Live coverage is available via Twitter.
Ealing Trailfinders team to face Cornish Pirates:
15. Jonah Holmes
14. James Cordy-Redden
13. Max Bodilly
12. Pat Howard
11. Cian Kelleher
10. Craig Willis
9. Craig Hampson
1. Kyle Whyte
2. Alun Walker
3. George Davis
4. Andrew Davidson
5. Barney Maddison (C)
6. Rob Farrar
7. Ollie Newman
8. Jack Digby
Replacements:
16. Shaun Malton
17. Will Davis
18. Ross Kane
19. Will Montgomery
20. Simon Uzokwe
21. Jordan Burns
22. Dan Lancaster
23. Reuben Bird-Tulloch
Get ready for a Championship blockbuster this Saturday as we host the in-form Cornish Pirates!
RFU CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 18
Date: Saturday 25th March
Kick-Off: 3pm
Location: Trailfinders Sports Club
Tickets: Available from £16 – click here to purchase
Coverage: Live coverage via Twitter: @EalingTFRugby
MATCH HOSPITALITY:
To book our delicious pre-match lunch (two-course meal) email: hospitality@etprm.com or click here for further information.
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 via this link and our social media channels. You can also scan the QR code posters at the ground to read for free.
MATCH DAY SCHEDULE:
1:30pm: Club Shop Open
2:55pm: Guard of Honour – Featherstone School
3pm: Ealing Trailfinders v Cornish Pirates
Half-Time: Ealing Trailfinders Cheerleaders
Full-Time: Bread Street Café Player of the Match
5:30pm: Bar Open & Live DJ
6:30pm-Late: Ealing Trailfinders Race Night
ABOUT THE OPPOSITION:
Originally founded in 1945, Cornish Pirates have become a real force in the English second-tier ever since they were promoted to the league in 2003. Upon the league’s rebrand to become the RFU Championship in 2009, Pirates really began to challenge for promotion, finishing in the runners up spots in both the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons.
Although there was a slight dip during the mid-2010s which saw them ending up in the mid-table positions, recently they have re-found their form, finishing third in the last two seasons. Last year, Cornish only lost four matches (the same number as Ealing Trailfinders) but it was their two draws which saw them lose points.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
After a frustrating start to their 2022/23 campaign, Cornish Pirates have finally rediscovered their form, making them a very dangerous opponent. Pirates have turned a corner in 2023, winning five of their seven league fixtures, with three wins on the bounce in March. The Cornishmen enjoyed a tough win over London Scottish last Saturday (31-34), following up from their tenacious 31-26 victory over Coventry two weeks ago, and their impressive 22-61 win at the start of the month.
LAST TIME WE MET:
Ealing Trailfinders travelled down to The Mennaye at the start of December and faced a very tough opening 40 minutes. The hosts shot out of the blocks, scoring twice in the first half to hold a 12-0 lead at the break. With their backs against the wall and facing a raucous home crowd, Trailfinders knew they need to find their mojo and confidence quickly. That response came in the 48th minute when Simon Uzokwe barged his way over, before Carlo Tizzano crossed soon after to tie the scores at 12-12. With the clock ticking into the final ten minutes, Craig Willis stepped up and slotted a penalty goal to give Trailfinders the 12-15 lead, before two late tries to Jordan Burns secured an emphatic 12-25 comeback win.
FORM GUIDE:
Ealing Trailfinders:
W: Nottingham 21-41 Ealing Trailfinders (Saturday 18th March)
Click here to watch match highlights.
W: Ealing Trailfinders 66-0 London Scottish (Saturday 11th March)
Click here to watch match highlights.
W: Richmond 0-50 Ealing Trailfinders (Saturday 4th March)
Click here to watch match highlights.
Cornish Pirates:
W: London Scottish 31-34 Cornish Pirates (Saturday 18th March)
W: Cornish Pirates 31-26 Coventry (Saturday 11th March)
W: Ampthill 22-61 Cornish Pirates (Saturday 4th March)
MATCH OFFICIALS:
Referee: TBC
AR1: TBC
AR2: TBC
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!
For the third week in a row, Ealing Trailfinders have named an unchanged starting XV as they prepare to travel to Nottingham.
Up front, Kyle Whyte, Alun Walker and George Davis will be looking to continue their scrum dominance, while being supported by Andrew Davidson and Simon Linsell.
Rob Farrar captains the side from blind-side with Ollie Newman and Jack Digby both continuing in the back-row.
The two Craigs remain at half-back, with Hampson at scrum-half and Willis at fly-half, while Reuben Bird-Tulloch and Max Bodilly continue in the midfield.
The back-three of Cian Kelleher, James Cordy-Redden and Jonah Holmes will be hungry for more tries, with all of them fresh from scoring last weekend.
Among the replacements there are returns to the match day squad for Lewis Thiede, Barney Maddison and Pat Howard.
If you are thinking of joining the team at The Bay tomorrow, you can get your tickets here. Alternatively, you can follow the live Twitter coverage here.
Ealing Trailfinders team to travel to Nottingham:
15. Jonah Holmes
14. James Cordy-Redden
13. Max Bodilly
12. Reuben Bird-Tulloch
11. Cian Kelleher
10. Craig Willis
9. Craig Hampson
1. Kyle Whyte
2. Alun Walker
3. George Davis
4. Andrew Davidson
5. Simon Linsell
6. Rob Farrar (C)
7. Ollie Newman
8. Jack Digby
Replacements
16. Shaun Malton
17. Will Davis
18. Lewis Thiede
19. Barney Maddison
20. Simon Uzokwe
21. Jordan Burns
22. Pat Howard
23. Will Montgomery