News - Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club

BRETT WILKINSON TO DEPART EALING TRAILFINDERS

We can confirm that Scrum Coach Brett Wilkinson will be leaving the club after our April 19th fixture against Bedford Blues

Wilkinson, who was born in Grahamstown, South Africa, has played a key role in the coaching setup at Ealing Trailfinders, helping the club achieve remarkable success over recent years.

He first joined the Trailfinders Rugby Academy at Brunel University as Forwards Coach in 2021 before moving up to the first team as Scrum and Transition Coach. In this role, he played a key part in enhancing the squad’s set-piece and forward play.

As a player, Wilkinson enjoyed a distinguished career as a prop, making 183 appearances for Connacht. He also earned five caps for Ireland ‘A’ and featured in a non-cap international against the Barbarians before a serious neck injury forced him into retirement.

Transitioning into coaching, Wilkinson gained experience in Ireland as Head Coach of All-Ireland League side Buccaneers before taking up roles in Hong Kong, where he coached HKU Sandy Bay in the Hong Kong Premiership, as well as the national team and the South China Tigers.

His vast experience in elite-level rugby has been invaluable to Ealing over the past three seasons. During his time at Trailfinders, Wilkinson was part of the coaching staff that guided the team to the Championship title in 2023/24.

This season, he has continued to play a crucial role as the team aims for a third league title in four years.

He was also involved in the squad’s back-to-back Premiership Cup semi-final appearances and their Championship Cup triumph in 2022/23, where Ealing defeated Jersey Reds at Trailfinders Sports Ground.

Trailfinders Women Head Coach, Barney Maddison said:

“I’ve really enjoyed working with Brett, both as a player and as well from a coaches perspective with the women’s side. His set-piece knowledge has been a huge asset for the club over the past few years. From a personal point of view he will be missed, but I wish him and his family all the best on their next adventure.

Director of Rugby, Ben Ward, paid tribute to Wilkinson’s contributions, saying:

“In his time here, Brett has been an incredibly valued member of the club both on and off the field. His technical knowledge, work ethic, and ability to build strong relationships with the players have been key to our success in recent years.

While we are sad to see him go, myself and everyone at Ealing Trailfinders fully support his decision, thank him for his effort and dedication, and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career.”

News

Tier 2 Board confirms new clubs for 2025-26 season

The makeup of next season’s expanded Championship has been confirmed.

After two years of intensive work, the Tier 2 Board with the RFU and Championship clubs, is announcing a new and improved league, starting next season, with a vision to inspire and engage current and future generations of rugby fans, while also bringing commercial sustainability and growth to its clubs.

An open tender to the whole game, approved by RFU Council, has been conducted in recent months to join the league from 2025-26, if the league’s minimum operating standards and growth strategy are met.

As a result, from next season the league will be made up of 14 teams which will include all 12 current Championship clubs, the promoted National League 1 club (subject to meeting the league’s Minimum Operating Standards) and Worcester Warriors. The club is under new ownership, after the new owner bought the rugby assets from the administrator of the insolvent entity, and brings with it exciting new plans, as well as seeing Championship rugby strengthened in the West Midlands.

Worcester Warriors has been through a rigorous process for selection into Tier 2. As part of the conditions to join the league, the club’s new ownership has provided a financial security guarantee, held by the RFU, as well committed to paying off debts left by the previous owners to rugby creditors. In addition, the new owners have already made substantial payments to the administrators and have entered into an agreement with the relevant parties which will result in the remaining contractual funds from the administration being paid to DCMS and HMRC by the end of the year.

Starting in the 2025-26 season, the Tier 2 Board will both launch the league and drive further improvements in the Minimum Operating Standards for the clubs and the league, with a phased approach to its development allowing time to establish club composition.

Simon Gillham, Tier 2 Board Chair stated: “The vision for this league is really ambitious and so much work and collaboration has taken place over nearly two years to establish a path towards a vibrant and self-sustaining competition.

“Today marks a significant step forward with Worcester Warriors returning to professional rugby under new ownership in a heartland for our sport with the club’s new owners having provided a financial security guarantee, held by the RFU, as well committing to paying off debts left by the previous owners to rugby creditors.

“Worcester Warriors brings with them a fanbase, history, commercial value and infrastructure that will be important to the league; we’re really pleased see their return to professional rugby as I’m sure are their fans.

“National 1 is a highly competitive league with some ambitious clubs and we look forward to welcoming the promoted club from National 1 as well as continued collaboration with the current Championship clubs into next season.

“There is a great deal still to achieve and we will be working at pace over the coming months to prepare for the 2025-26 season and beyond.”

Tier 2 Board member and RFU Council Member for the Championship Clubs, Simon Cohen said: “Current Championship clubs have worked diligently over much of the past year to reach the new standards we’ve set for the league and I thank them for all their hard work. Our league comprises many vibrant clubs, some of whom aspire to reach the Premiership and we need to support them to achieve this by developing a thriving and commercially viable league. Our plans very much aim to do this, and I look forward to working with existing Championship clubs and our two incoming clubs to realise this goal.”

Christopher Holland, Worcester Warriors owner said: “We are really pleased to be bringing rugby back to Worcester and have made significant progress in stabilising the Sixways business as well as successfully navigating the detailed application process for entry of the club into the second tier of professional rugby in England.

“After careful consideration we chose to make the application to the new league under the name Worcester Warriors to preserve its history and legacy. As a result, we are required to settle rugby creditors and acknowledge and fully own this process and the responsibility that comes with it.

“We now enter a defined period in which to provide financial guarantees, and to identify, validate, and agree all inherited rugby creditors. The completion of this process is the key to success and requires the collective support of all involved. We are committed to resolving this swiftly.”

John Inverdale, Chair of National League Rugby and RFU Council Member for National League Rugby, said: “Driving up standards and supporting clubs to develop in all aspects that will see them thrive is crucial in a competitive commercial landscape. I am hugely supportive of the goals of the Tier 2 board and I’ve no doubt that the promoted National 1 club will add great value to the league next season.”

Further details on competition format, new branding and commercial strategy will be announced as we move towards the new season.

News

DON’T DROP THE BALL ON YOUR HEALTH – CLUB BACK TESTICULAR CANCER SOCIETY CAMPAIGN

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness month, and we are pleased to support a groundbreaking new campaign and kit from Testicular Cancer Society to encourage men to get testing.

A new simple self-check kit, the Amateur Anti-Doping Test, that can help detect testicular cancer is set to be rolled out within sports across the UK in a bid to raise awareness among young men, catch the disease earlier and save lives.

Whether you’re a rugby player, footballer, cyclist or even a chess enthusiast, the kits, which are based on anti-doping tests offer a simple check through a urine sample.

While professional athletes undergo frequent medical screenings, cancer checks aren’t necessarily involved, and amateur athletes often don’t have the same facilities. This oversight is putting millions at risk, particularly regarding testicular cancer.

Approximately 2,400 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year in the UK, making it the most common cancer among men aged 15 to 45. Nearly half of all men are unaware of the importance of self-examinations or fail to take them seriously yet, when caught early, testicular cancer has a survival rate of 99%.

With sportsmen predominantly falling in the age group most susceptible to testicular cancer, we are raising awareness and the necessity for kits like this to be available from grassroots clubs all the way up to elite level.

Hopes for the campaign include teams and clubs securing the kits for their players by signing up and taking a voluntary pledge at amateurantidopingtest.com.

The campaign is also driven by compelling insight: some pro athletes who tested positive in routine doping screenings were later diagnosed with testicular cancer. This unexpected link inspired a positive disruption—transforming anti-doping tests into a vehicle for proactive health checks for all athletes, not just the pros.

Tobi Wilson and Matt Cornish are two of our players who have tried the kit, and are calling on men to get testing.

Players have tried the kits themselves and are supporting throughout the month to raise awareness of early detection, self-checks and the new kits.

During April, we will be hosting several workshops, available to nearby schools/clubs, our appropriate pathway teams, and university partners, to help educate men as the most common age for testicular cancer starts as young as 15. We will also be sign posting information to fans and other clubs who use the ground.

News

Lineup: Ealing Trailfinders vs Nottingham

Ealing Trailfinders name their lineup to take on Nottingham Rugby at TFSC in round fourteen of The Championship.

There are six changes to the starting XV that played Doncaster Knights last weekend.

Elliot Chilvers starts at loosehead prop, alongside captain Mike Willemse at hooker and Biyi Alo at tighthead.

In the second row, Matas Jurevicius partners Sean Lonsdale, while the back row sees Jordy Reid come in at openside, with Josh Taylor at blindside and David Bridge at number eight.

At half-back, Michael Stronge starts at scrum-half, facing his former club, and he is joined by Craig Willis at fly-half.

The midfield partnership remains unchanged, with Francis Moore and Reuben Bird-Tulloch retaining their spots at inside and outside centre.

In the back three, Tom Collins starts on the left wing, Angus Kernohan lines up on the right, and Michael Dykes slots in at full back.

Meanwhile, on the bench, Geordie Irvine is set to make his debut, adding further strength to the forward pack.

Ealing Trailfinders to face Nottingham Rugby:

Squad Announcement

Elliot Chilvers
Mike Willemse (C)
Biyi Alo
Matas Jurevicius
Sean Lonsdale
Josh Taylor
Jordy Reid
David Bridge
Michael Stronge
Craig Willis
Tom Collins
Francis Moore
Reuben Bird-Tulloch
Angus Kernohan
Michael Dykes
Scott Buckley
Kyle Whyte
Adam Nicol
Geordie Irvine
Siya Ningiza
Craig Hampson
George Worboys
Ben Harris

News

Julia Schell Extends Her Stay

We are delighted to announce that Julia Schell has signed an extension with Trailfinders Women.

A versatile utility back, Schell excels as a fly-half and has consistently shown immense skill in directing play and creating opportunities.

Schell also boasts impressive international experience, making her Test debut for Canada against the USA in 2021 and featuring in all three Pool games at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. She is also in line to feature for Canada at the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

Speaking on her extension, Schell said:

“I’m excited to continue with Trailfinders Women. The growth of this team and the support I’ve received here has been incredible, and I look forward to contributing even more next season.”

This season, Schell has been in scintillating form, scoring 6 tries and contributing 30+ points with her accurate kicking from the tee. Her standout performances towards the end of the season earned her two Player of the Match awards.

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added:

“Julia’s is just class for us. The amount of rugby she played last season is a testament to her durability. Along with her versatility, leadership, and attacking ability – she’s a huge asset for us, and a big part of this team.

“We’re thrilled to have her and I’m looking forward to working with Julia again next year.”

News

Further Extensions Add To Trailfinders Women Performance Team

Joe Maddalena and Alex Brewer strengthen Barney Maddison’s performance team.

Taking steps to ensure optimal care and development for our players, Maddalena steps into the Head of Medical Services role, supported by Scarlett Wood and Andrew Stevens, whilst Brewer – supported by Gemma Thompson and Uzzy Anwar – will direct the Performance Analysis department as Lead Performance Analysis.

Speaking on the announcements, Head Coach Barney Maddison said:

“I’m pleased that Joe and Alex [Brewer] will continue their work with us, and together with their teams, we’ve got a very strong staff supporting the squad. We have elite ambitions on the field, and our off field matches that.

“We’re committed to ensuring that every day, our players come into an environment where they can feel looked after and thrive, and it’s important that we have these structures in place as we add to the quality we already have.

“Our next priorities are to look at the areas where we feel we can still improve – both on and off the field – and keep the momentum we’ve got to drive us forward next season.”

As Maddison’s performance team takes shape ahead of the new campaign, both Adam Dowsett and Oli Bishop depart after two seasons with the team. We would like to thank both Adam and Oli for their efforts and contributions during their time with us and wish them both the very best for the future.

Trailfinders Women Performance Team

Barney Maddison – Head Coach

Kim Oliver – Assistant Coach

Steven Shingler – Assistant Coach

Physical Performance

Alex Lee – Head of Physical Performance

Dylan Martens – Athletic Performance Coach

Performance Analysis

Alex Brewer – Lead Performance Analyst

Gemma Thompson – Performance Analyst

Uzzy Anwar – Performance Analyst

Medical

Joe Maddalena – Head of Medical Services

Scarlett Wood – Physiotherapist

Andrew Stevens – Physiotherapist

Operations

Jojo Loxton – Team Manager

Molly Dymmock-Morgan – Kit Manager

News

Alex Lee Appointed Head of Physical Performance

We are pleased to announce that Alex Lee has been appointed Head of Physical Performance for Trailfinders Women.

Having previously worked with our Men’s side following a season with the England 7s team, Alex returns to the Club following a period with Toronto Arrows and Rugby Canada National 7s. Working to tailor individual player programmes to help players surpass the physical demands of the game, his appointment reinforces the club’s commitment to providing an elite environment where players can fulfil their potential and reach new heights.

Speaking on his return, Alex said:

“I’m delighted to be coming back to the Club. After a great experience in Canada, returning to the UK – especially here – is something I’m really looking forward to.

“It’s an incredible time to rejoin. The sport is in an exciting place, with huge potential for growth, and given my existing relationships with Barney [Maddison] and Shings [Steven Shingler], this feels like the perfect opportunity.

Alex also outlined his vision for the Performance Department, aiming to establish it as a leader in the game.

“We want to become a flagship department for science and research within women’s rugby, and I’m excited to develop key relationships that will position us at the forefront of research, medical, and sports science.”

Head Coach, Barney Maddison, added:

“Alex is one of the best in his field, and it’s great to welcome him back to the Club.

“Having worked together previously, I know his qualities, and after our initial conversations it was very clear that we are aligned on what we want from this role. We want to provide the best environment possible for our players and it’s clear that Alex will do just that.”

News

Steven Shingler Extends as Assistant Coach

Steven Shingler joins Kim Oliver as Trailfinders Women’s Assistant Coach in 2025/26.

After nearly a decade of combining a successful playing career with coaching roles, Shingler, a former Ealing Trailfinders Club Captain with over 50 appearances for the men’s outfit, also reprises his role as Assistant Coach.

Having already made a significant impact last campaign which saw a total of 80 tries scored – compared to 53 in 2023-24 – Steven will once again be tasked with maintaining a sharp and electrifying attack.

Speaking on Shingler’s impact, Head Coach Barney Maddison said:

“Steven knows what it takes to succeed as a Trailfinder. His role in shaping the attack is pivotal, and we’ve already seen his influence in the tactics being implemented to suit the squad’s style of play.”

Shingler reprises his role alongside Kim Oliver, whose own extension was announced earlier today. Maddison added:

“We’ve got great relationship. Both Kim and Steven are excellent coaches who bring great balance to the group. Between Kim’s technical detail and experience of the women’s game, and Steven’s offensive expertise and ability to communicate that to the team, we’re in a really great place as a performance team.”

“I’m delighted to continue building on what we’ve achieved so far together and look forward to a really exciting future.”

News

Kim Oliver Extends as Assistant Coach

Kim Oliver signs extension and remains Assistant Coach of Trailfinders Women.

Previously Head Coach at both Bristol Bears and Bath Women, Oliver boasts vast experience within the game. Providing attention to detail and technical feedback to all areas of the squad, Oliver will continue to play a crucial part in players’ individual development.

Oliver, a former Red Rose herself, said:

“I’m excited to continue to work with a fantastic group of players from around the world, who are eager to learn and improve at every training session. Being a part of a talented group of staff who are driving this team forward everyday made it an obvious choice for me to stay.

“I’m grateful to Trailfinders for their continued support of female coaches and the opportunity to work at the top level.”

Oliver, who is one of only eight elite female coaches currently partaking in England Rugby’s groundbreaking Elev8 performance leadership programme – will also remain an athlete mentor for the women’s programme across the Club with a specific focus on mentoring and nurturing players – a facet of her expertise that Head Coach Barney Maddison believes extends throughout the club.

“Kim is a brilliant support for the players, but we as a wider coaching staff are also able to lean on her and feel that benefit each day. She’s massively experienced within the game and happy to share that with the group”, Maddison added.

“Kim is such a key part of our plans here and I’m delighted to continue working with her.”

News

Barney Maddison Extends as Head Coach of Trailfinders Women

We are delighted to confirm that Barney Maddison has signed a long-term extension as Head Coach of Trailfinders Women.

Stepping into the Head Coach role at the start of the 2024/25 season, Maddison quickly made his mark with excitement and a potent attack a hallmark of his first year in charge.

Maddison’s extension ensures continuity as the club looks to build upon the progress already made, as well as the push for greater achievement in the seasons ahead.

Following his extension, Maddison said:

“I’m thrilled to continue the work we’re doing here at the club – it’s an exciting project with a lot of potential. After two years as a team, we’re establishing our programme, and developing our style of play to really put our stamp on games. Last season we recorded our first win against a top four side [Bristol Bears] and were much more competitive against some of the traditionally stronger teams, so it’s on us now to raise our level consistently.”

Speaking on the ambitions for the coming season, Barney added:

“The squad is really talented, really hardworking and we’re all hungry for success. Our goal now is to kick on, compete at the top end of the table and challenge for those top spots. We’re set on creating the best possible environment around our players, and we’re making some key appointments to build on our foundations and do just that.

“It’ll be a demanding season – a long one, following what will be a brilliant World Cup – but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Managing Director, Ben Ward, added:

“It’s been no surprise as to how Barney has been key to the continued development of the team, both on and off the field, since stepping into the Head Coach role. He’s a leader with a great rugby brain – a real professional – and a calm head who really underpins our vision for Trailfinders Women.

“We’re excited for the future with Barney, and it’s really pleasing to see the performance team taking shape. We can’t wait to see where he takes the team.”