Everything you need to know ahead of Ealing Trailfinders vs Hartpury
Round Five of the Champ is here and Ealing Trailfinders return home for the first time this season. Read everything you need to know about the match here.
Josh Taylor skippers Ealing Trailfinders this weekend in Round 5 of the Champ after leading the side to a win in Round 3 of the competition.
The back rower is product of the Trailfinders Academy and has represented Scotland at U20s level.
Whilst Taylor is a regular presence in the back row for Trailfinders, his rugby career began in the second row. However, as he progressed as a player, Taylor noticed that the back row suited his playing style better.
“I think there was more opportunity in the back row,” he said when explaining the motivation to move positions.
“I just think from a back row point of view you get through a lot of more work as in the number of tackles and carries. You’re in the game a lot more.
“I’d say probably my speed and power is used a lot better when being in the back row. Being in the second row, there are more mauls. In the back row, it’s a lot easier to get off scrums, make big hits.
“It’s the pace, power and agility side of things that encouraged me to commit to the switch. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become a lot more powerful and that suits the position I’m in now.”
This weekend is the second time that Taylor will captain the side this season. Leadership is a trait that Taylor is learning as his career progresses, particularly the type of way he wants to lead.
“A lot of the lads know I’m not the most vocal of people. I say something when I need to. I try to lead by my actions on the pitch – that’s what dictates how I lead.
“If I feel like something needs to be said in the huddle, then I’ll say something. But I prefer to lead by example and I think that’s one of the reasons why I get selected to captain.
“Maybe as I grow in confidence as a leader I will become more vocal but the leadership group advise to lead through action and that’s what I try to do.”
“When I do speak, I keep it short and sweet. I feel like the lads are more likely to listen if I have one or two points to say.
“I lean on the other leaders in the group: Dan Jones, Rory Scannell, Conor Oliver. I pick their brains as well.
“Leadership is about getting the right balance between not having too many voices speaking and having clear points for the group to follow.”
Taylor is Scottish-qualified and represented the nation in the U20s age group alongside fellow team mate Geordie Gwynn and Trailfinders Academy product Jare Oguntibeju who now plays for Glasgow Warriors.
Taylor offered his thoughts on what that international exposure gave him as a player.
“I think the biggest takeaway from that experience was the belief to actually think I was good enough to play at that level. Prior to then, I hadn’t had experience beyond academy rugby.
“Playing with Scotland U20s made me realise that I was good enough to be playing at the highest levels of age-grade rugby.
“It gave me a lot of confidence too, playing in front of large crowds at the U20s Six Nations. It gives you the confidence to perform at your best week in week out.
“I obviously talk to Geordie because he’s here at the club and occasionally drop Jare a message. I was also in the second row when I played U20s so I was close to Max Williamson who is now in the senior Scotland squad. I speak to him from time to time.”
Ealing Trailfinders host Hartpury in Round 5 of the Champ. Trailfinders played away to the Gloucestershire-based outfit in pre-season and came out as the victors. Hartpury have started their season strong with three wins and one loss.
The visitors this weekend are four places below Trailfinders in the table, but the home side will have no intention of the visitors closing that gap this weekend.
“I’d say that they throw the ball around a lot. They’ve got a big physical pack who are probably the most established in the league.
“We know if you give them a look in, they will take the opportunity to score tries.
“After last week’s performance against Coventry, we really want to go after this week and be good with our discipline and defence. Although it was an easy fix last week to sort out discipline and phases of play.
“We knew we weren’t at our best for the full game last week, but we still got a good result. The challenge for us this week is to stay on top and not concede as many tries. That’s the challenge every week.”
Trailfinders typically kick for the corner when given the opportunity. Taylor commented on the confident attitude of the squad to back themselves, especially when they get into the red zone.
“We have a chat every week about where our best weapons are. We always want to challenge on the scoreboard so hence why we kick to the corner a lot.
“We want to put pressure on teams where we can and to score as many tries as possible.”
Like many of the players at Ealing Trailfinders, Taylor enjoys his golf.
“I do enjoy my golf. There’s a great group of lads who play and it’s just a good way of switching off from rugby but also getting our active recovery in.”
Many of the players have quoted fullback Tobi Wilson as being one of the strongest golfers at the club.
“He is good at golf, though it pains me to say it. When I play him, I do find that I step up my game. So, I’ll give him that – he is a good player.”
Ealing Trailfinders name their lineup to play Hartpury in Round Five of the Champ.
Director of Rugby Ben Ward has made thirteen changes to the match day squad ahead of Round Five against Hartpury.
Josh Taylor returns as skipper after captaining Trailfinders to a win in Round Three at Richmond Athletic Ground. In the back row, he’s joined by Jordy Reid and Will Montgomery.
In the front row, Lefty Zigiriadis, Scott Buckley, and Adam Nicol all start.
Returning to the starting XV is Bobby de Wee who plays alongside George Shaw in the engine room.
Michael Stronge starts for the first time this season at scrum-half alongside Dan Jones at ten who retains his place in the squad.
Jordan Holgate starts at inside centre with Francis Moore on the outside.
Michael Dykes comes onto the left wing to secure his first start in the 2025/26 season. Deago Bailey takes his place on the right wing with Patrick Campbell at fullback.
Loic Keasey is on the bench, set to make his Club debut after graduating from the Trailfinders Academy this summer. Rob Farrar, Sam Edwards, and Rory Scannell also feature on the bench in a 5-3 split.
Kick-off is at 15:00 Saturday 1 November at Trailfinders Sports Club.
Starting XV:
15. Patrick Campbell
14. Deago Bailey
13. Francis Moore
12. Jordan Holgate
11. Michael Dykes
10. Dan Jones
9. Michael Stronge
1. Lefty Zigiriadis
2. Scott Buckley
3. Adam Nicol
4. Bobby De Wee
5. George Shaw
6. Josh Taylor (c)
7. Jordy Reid
8. Will Montgomery
Replacements:
16. Loic Keasey
17. James Kenny
18. Kyle Whyte
19. Sean Lonsdale
20. Rob Farrar
21. Sam Edwards
22. Rory Scannell
23. Geordie Gwynn
We are pleased to announce the continuation of our partnership with Arnold Hill Chartered Accountants for the upcoming Premiership Women’s Rugby season.
As part of the partnership, Arnold Hill will feature on the Home and Away shorts for the coming season, as well as on pitch-side advertising boards around Trailfinders Sports Club.
Justin Moore, Partner at Arnold Hill said:
“We’re both delighted and proud to continue our partnership with the club and support Trailfinders Women. It’s an incredibly exciting time for women’s rugby amidst the Rugby World Cup, and we can’t wait to see the players back in action in the PWR for Trailfinders.
“The squad is a collection of some of the biggest names and most promising players in the game, and their ambition is really difficult not to get excited about.”
Tim Smith, Head of Commercial, Ealing Trailfinders said:
“I’m delighted that Justin and the team at Arnold Hill are continuing their relationship with us and remaining a valued partner of the club.
“They’ve been involved with us at the Club and Foundation for some time now, and it’s been amazing to see that grow over time into now becoming a Women’s Strategic Partner.”
In addition to their support of Trailfinders Women, Arnold Hill have also committed funding to the Ealing Trailfinders Foundation TrailfindHERS programme. Delivered by some of our Trailfinders Women players – and now supported by Arnold Hill – the programme aims to engage more girls in sport whilst removing participation barriers.
Ian Isham, Head of Community, Ealing Trailfinders said:
“We’re really proud of the TrailfindHERS programme and grateful for the support from Arnold Hill that allows us to use the power of rugby to inspire and engage the next generation of young girls”.
To find out more about Arnold Hill Chartered Accountants, visit their website here.
Premiership Women’s Rugby have announced a partnership with Restart Rugby, who become the league’s official Players’ Charity
As the official charity of the Rugby Players Association (RPA), Restart supports current and former men’s and women’s players facing serious injury, illness, or hardship. With rugby careers often unpredictable, Restart provides a vital support network that helps players manage challenges during their careers and prepare for life after the game.
The charity offers practical and financial assistance, including funding medical treatment, rehabilitation equipment, and home adaptations, as well as grants for training, education, and general hardship support. Mental health support is also available through Restart’s 24/7 Confidential Counselling Service and ongoing therapy.
Last season, 42 players accessed Restart’s counselling service, 57% of which supported women. 221 therapy sessions were also administered to members. Common issues included low mood, anxiety, bereavement, and addiction.
Through this new partnership, Round 5 of Premiership Women’s Rugby (29–30 November) will be dedicated to Restart, helping to raise awareness and vital funds for the charity.
Meg Jones, Red Roses and Trailfinders Women player said: “Restart has been a huge help to me personally. Having lost both my mum and dad last year I was given access to grief therapy regularly, helping me navigate through such a dark time. To see them become a partner with the PWR only solidifies their support for players on and off the pitch.”
Jeremy Beard, Chair of Restart said: “Whilst Restart has supported women players over the years, it is a pivotal moment to be partnering with the PWR as the league’s official Players Charity. The rapid growth of the women’s game, and the continuing transition to professionalism, will inevitably bring challenges for the players and Restart will be here to provide help when needed, whilst developing players post-career.”
Genevieve Shore, executive chair at Premiership Women’s Rugby said: “Women’s rugby has grown exponentially over the past year and will continue to do so in the coming years. With that growth will come new challenges for our players, so it is incredibly exciting to have Restart at our side as we attempt to navigate this new era. Player welfare is at the heart of every decision we make as a league, a vision and mission which we know is shared by Restart, so I’m looking forward to working together for the benefit of all PWR athletes.”
Trailfinders Women lost 12-24 to Exeter Chiefs in the opening round of the PWR at Trailfinders Sports Club.
It was a cagey opening quarter of an hour for both sides, with possession frequently changing hands and neither being able to get a foothold in the match.
After some dominance upfront, the visitors won themselves a penalty at scrum-time and found themselves deep in the Trailfinders 22. Liv McGoverne scored from close range, despite the best efforts of the Trailfinders defence.
Exeter continued their strong start when they were brought down just short of the line after a dangerous attack. Hope Rodgers muscled her way over and put the away side into a two-score lead.
It didn’t get any easier for Trailfinders when Carys Cox got sent to the sin bin for a slap down in the 28th minute, Gabriella Nigrelli scored just before the yellow card period elapsed and Exeter led by 19 at the break.
Half-time: Trailfinders Women 0-19 Exeter Chiefs
Chiefs picked up in the second half where they left off in the first, securing their bonus point try through Claudia Moloney-MacDonald after an overlap on the left wing.
Kate Zackary got Trailfinders on the scoreboard shortly after, Ella Amory took a quick tap penalty, passed to her captain, and she dived over, much to the delight of the home support.
A powerful rolling maul from Trailfinders allowed Georgia Ponsonby to score on debut and add a second score to the home side’s tally.
Unfortunately, it was too little too late for Trailfinders as they came up short in search of their third try.
Full-time: Trailfinders Women 12-24 Exeter Chiefs
Trailfinders Women –
Tries: Kate Zackary 54, Georgia Ponsonby 69
Conversions: Meg Jones 55
Yellow cards: Carys Cox 28
Exeter Chiefs –
Tries: Liv McGoverne 14, Hope Rodgers 21, Gabriella Nigrelli 37, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald 51
Conversions: Liv McGoverne 22 38
Ealing Trailfinders hold onto the Champ’s top spot after defeating Coventry 36-63 at Butts Park Arena.
Trailfinders have now passed the 200 point mark, only four games into the season.
Coventry were first to get onto the scoreboard. Consecutive penalties allowed the home side to work their way along towards the try line, eventually converting a line out into points. Conversion was successful.
Ealing Trailfinders were quick to respond. After winning possession in a scrum, the visitors moved the ball swiftly along the line, finding Francis Moore on the wing to finish in the corner. The conversion was successful for Dan Jones.
Following a collapsed scrum, Trailfinders were awarded the ball once again. From a line-out close to the whitewash, the ball was offloaded to David Bridge, who powered over to score. Jones maintained his perfect kicking record with another successful conversion.
Coventry struck back when Peter Sullivan intercepted a Trailfinders ball and sprinted 75 metres downfield to score under the posts, leaving an easy conversion for the home side.
Trailfinders replied through a driving maul from a line-out inside Coventry’s 22. Matt Cornish broke from the pack to touch down, and Jones continued his kicking form with another successful conversion.
Strong defence from the visitors congested Coventry in their attacking half, but a kick wide to Sullivan in open space, gave him a first-half hat-trick. The conversion bounced off the post.
Just before the break, Trailfinders won a scrum in the fortieth minute. The ball was passed out to Jordan Holgate who danced through Coventry’s defence for a late try, again converted by Jones.
A penalty for Coventry closed out the half with the visitors leading.
Half-time: Coventry 22-28 Ealing Trailfinders
Early in the second half, Trailfinders mirrored Coventry’s earlier play. Jordan Holgate intercepted a pass and raced 75 metres to score under the posts. Jones once again converted successfully.
After sustained pressure inside Coventry’s 22, a series of quick offloads along the line found Tobi Wilson, who broke through and dived over on the edge of the whitewash. It was a difficult kick, but Jones slotted it over with precision.
A Coventry clearance attempt was charged down by Danny Cutmore, who regathered the ball and kicked it through the defence before scooping it up to score under the posts. Jones again successful on the conversion.
Sullivan added his fourth try of the match for Coventry, breaking away from the pack to touch down between the posts. The conversion was successful.
A line out into a driving maul meant that Scott Buckley powered over the line, with Rory Scannell slotting the conversion.
Coventry’s Josh Thomas looked to close their defeat margin with three minutes to go stepping though Trailfinders defence to cross the line. The conversion was successful.
Jordy Reid hit the nail in the coffin with a closing try after the eightieth minute. Scannell secured the conversion.
Full-time: Coventry 36-63 Ealing Trailfinders
Coventry:
Tries: Peter Sullivan 4 16 25 74, Josh Thomas 78
Conversions: Josh Thomas 4 16 74 79
Penalty: Josh Thomas 40
Yellow card: Matt Johnson
Ealing Trailfinders:
Tries: Francis Moore 10, David Bridge 15, Matt Cornish 22, Jordan Holgate 40 44, Tobi Wilson 55, Danny Cutmore 70, Scott Buckley 77, Jordy Reid 80
Conversions: Dan Jones 10 15 22 40 44 55 70, Rory Scannell 77 80
Conor Oliver discusses his recent leadership roles at Trailfinders, how rugby has evolved for the forwards, and loving golf
Irish flanker Conor Oliver returns to the squad ahead of Round Four of the Champ. He has previously featured in Rounds One and Two for Ealing Trailfinders and got over the try line on both occasions. He will captain Trailfinders against Coventry this weekend.
Prior to playing in the Champ, Oliver played in the United Rugby Championship. He commented on the change of leagues.
“It’s been a really good start to the season. I was used to URC rugby for a long time but it’s quite similar coming here.
“I think the standard is really high as well as the standard of the team we have here as well. I think that our quality has shown with the number of points that we’ve scored this season. We’ve scored nearly 150 points across three games – it’s not bad going.”
Oliver scored on debut against Bedford at Goldington Road. The following week on home soil, he scored in eight seconds from kick-off against Chinnor.
“We have a chat before kick-off,” he said. “We have our attack plans and know where to target an opposition’s weakness.
“Scoring on debut makes us look good. We’ve seen that with Deago and Patrick scoring on their debuts.
“A lot of these things are pre-planned but sometimes it’s just being in the right place. Tobi Wilson tapped the ball back to me after the kick-off from Chinnor and the gap was there.
“Against Bedford, I think we still left a lot of points out on the field and we let in a few soft tries. But we were delighted with a first round win. We want to put convincing performances out on the pitch.
“The attack at the Club is what really excites me.”
Oliver’s try against Chinnor is up there with one of the quickest scored in the league’s history. His football background from playing as a teenager has meant that the chip and chase that was on display in that eight second try was a characteristic that had always been part of his game.
“I think from playing Gaelic football and football back home, as many Irish guys do, the coordination is there from a young age.
“Rugby was probably the last sport I picked up when I was growing up.
“I was brought up playing football mostly because my family are really into it. I eventually came into rugby after doing Gaelic football and hurling.”
Whilst Oliver plays at flanker, he hadn’t always been in the forward pack.
“I used to play in the backs. I played centre and stuff until I was probably about 15, 16. That’s maybe why I fancy myself with a kick chase.
“I think many players find themselves starting in the back line and eventually move to the forwards, or are pushed into playing front or second row. But that hasn’t happened to me yet.”
Across international and club rugby, flankers are playing a more hybrid role across the field. Oliver commented on how he feels rugby has developed and changed in recent years.
“I think the game has evolved a lot. Players aren’t fenced in to one position anymore. You can see that with second rows coming into the back row, and back rows moving into centres if they need to.
“We’ve done some training with the backs and some of that has included being on the wing. That’s only occasionally but it’s good preparation in case we get yellow cards in a match. It’s good to have it in the locker.
“I do feel like it’s a completely different sport to play on the wing. I not going to say I’d never like to play there – it might save the pressure on my shoulders a bit.”
Having led Trailfinders in two rounds of the Champ, leadership is something that Oliver has come to enjoy.
“I’ve probably grown into the leadership role. I was at Connacht for five years and I learnt off many of the players there.
“I’ve learnt to lead by example rather than talk too much.
“Moving to Trailfinders, the leadership quality is something the Club have emphasised that they’ve wanted from me as a player and person. I didn’t want to come in talking too much but the longer I’ve been here, the more I feel that I can voice certain things.
“I said I’d give the leadership thing a crack, whatever position I hold. Hopefully we can translate our recent successes to this weekend against Coventry.”
Outside of rugby, Oliver joins many of the Trailfinders players as a keen golfer. Whilst this is no surprise given the beautiful courses his homeland of Ireland boasts, Oliver stressed that golf has been a good way for many of the players to bond outside of rugby.
“There are some great courses in Ireland, but the only thing to let us down is the weather can be quite tough. Make sure you go in the summertime for a golf holiday.
“Golf has definitely been an area where I’ve been able to bond with the lads, do stuff outside of rugby and not talk about rugby.
“A few of the boys are members of the West Middlesex golf club around the corner from Trailfinders Sports Club so we try to play at least once a week.
“I’d say that I’m a keen golfer but not necessarily a good one. But the mentality of the sport is something that really interests me.
“I enjoyed watching the Ryder Cup. I won’t say that Rory McIlroy is my favourite player as that’s an obvious favourite. After watching the Ryder Cup, I’d say that Shane Lowry and Brooks Koepka are my favourites at the moment.
“Both golf and boxing are sports that I enjoy. They have a top tier kind of mentality. I like to see how individual sports deal with stressful situations. I especially think it’s amazing in boxing given it’s a combat sport.”
Beyond the wealth of sport Oliver enjoys both personally and professionally, he is a dog dad to a seven-year-old Bulldog.
“He’s quite old for a Bulldog. Me and my girlfriend were worried that he wasn’t going to deal with the travel from Ireland to England well when we drove a van here and came on the ferry. But he slept for most of the journey.
“He’s just happy to be around us and go wherever we go.”
Ealing Trailfinders name their lineup to play Coventry in Round Four of the Champ.
Director of Rugby Ben Ward has made eight changes to the starting XV ahead of Round Four against Coventry.
Conor Oliver returns to skipper the side after leading Trailfinders to victory in Rounds One and Two. Alongside him in the back row is Josh Taylor and Kyle Hatherell.
In the front row, Lefty Zigiriadis, Matt Cornish, and Adam Nicol all start.
Packing out the engine room is David Bridge who starts for the fourth time this season. Danny Cutmore comes in at lock alongside Bridge after stepping up to play last week against Richmond in a last minute change to the starting XV.
Craig Hampson retains his place at scrum-half with Dan Jones returning to the squad this week at ten.
Jordan Holgate starts at inside centre with Francis Moore moving to the outside after featuring in the winning side against Richmond.
Tom Collins and Angus Kernohan link up on the wings. Tobi Wilson completes the the fifteen squad at fullback.
Scott Buckley, Kyle Whyte, and Michael Stronge are included on the bench as part of a 6-2 split.
Kick-off is at 15:00 Saturday 25 October at Butts Park Arena.
Starting XV:
15. Tobi Wilson
14. Angus Kernohan
13. Francis Moore
12. Jordan Holgate
11. Tom Collins
10. Dan Jones
9. Craig Hampson
1. Lefty Zigiriadis
2. Matt Cornish
3. Adam Nicol
4. David Bridge
5. Danny Cutmore
6. Josh Taylor
7. Conor Oliver (c)
8. Kyle Hatherell
Replacements:
16. Scott Buckley
17. James Kenny
18. Kyle Whyte
19. George Shaw
20. Will Montgomery
21. Jordy Reid
22. Michael Stronge
23. Rory Scannell
Eleven internationals start ahead of our Round One fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
Head Coach Barney Maddison has named his squad ahead of the first PWR fixture for the 2025/26 season.
Kate Zackary leads the side after being named as Club Captain earlier on in the week and she is part of a forward pack including eight internationals.
In the front row USA prop Alivia Leathermen starts at loosehead with Italian international Sara Seye at tighthead. Black Fern Georgia Ponsonby starts at hooker.
In the engine room, Irish international Grace Moore is accompanied by Black Fern Alana Borland.
A wealth of leaders make up the back row. Scotland’s most capped captain Rachel Malcolm is at blindside flanker, with skipper Zackary on the openside. Red Rose and World Cup winner Abi Burton starts at eight.
In the backs, Brooke Bradley and Isla Norman-Bell accompany one another at nine and ten.
A Welsh-English centre pairing of Carys Cox and Meg Jones is supported by the pace of Francesca McGhie and Grace White on the wings. Canadian international Julia Schell starts at fullback.
On the bench are Canadian international Maya Montiel and GB7s star Emma Uren in a 5-3 split.
Kick-off is at 15:00 on Saturday 25 October at Trailfinders Sports Club.
Starting XV
15. Julia Schell
14. Grace White
13. Meg Jones
12. Carys Cox
11. Francesca McGhie
10. Isla Norman-Bell
9. Brooke Bradley
1. Alivia Leatherman
2. Georgia Ponsonby
3. Sara Seye
4. Grace Moore
5. Alana Borland
6. Rachel Malcolm
7. Kate Zackary (C)
8. Abi Burton
Replacements:
16. Niamh Swailes
17. Cana Williams
18. Maya Montiel
19. Emma Taylor
20. Haidee Head
21. Ella Amory
22. Niamh Gallagher
23. Emma Uren