Ealing Trailfinders & Nudgee College Announce Partnership

Ealing Trailfinders are excited to confirm a new strategic partnership with Australian school, St Joseph’s Nudgee College.

The Brisbane based day and boarding school, caters for more than 1,700 students, with over 300 boarders, and has produced 27 Wallabies, including Rocky Elsom, Elton Flatley and James O’Connor.

The Nudgee College Rugby program consists of 90 coaches supported by a wealth of rugby knowledge which is complemented by a strong Strength & Conditioning program and medical professionals. These world class facilities made it the ideal backdrop to the documentary ‘The Season’ which was filmed in 2017 and again in 2021 and aired on streaming services as well as acknowledged by internationally known RugbyPass.

The partnership between Ealing Trailfinders and Nudgee College Rugby will give amazing opportunities for students to play and gain experience in high level rugby programs internationally whilst continuing their schooling. Both the students and the two clubs will benefit from a cross-over of knowledge sharing amongst the coaches and staff.

Sean Graham, Nudgee Rugby Director, is excited about this unique opportunity.

“We have a growth mindset in all areas of school life and are constantly striving for improvement. To be able to connect and collaborate with an organisation like Ealing Trailfinders, who share such a rich history and similar values, is something I fully embrace. We have a large rugby program with nearly 800 players and 90 coaches, the more opportunities we can provide for our players and coaches, particularly of this quality, the better”.

He spoke of his time with Simon Sinclair, Chief Operating Officer of Ealing Trailfinders Academy and Women’s Programme.

“Simon spent a week at our school last week and we are completely aligned on the possibilities that this partnership will bring to both organisations and can’t wait to watch it flourish.”

Sinclair said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be able to partner with St Joseph’s Nudgee College. From meeting with their Rugby Director Sean Graham, understanding his coaching philosophy and being shown round their facilities, I’m hugely excited to get started with this partnership.

“Their rich history and consistency for producing such high quality athletes is unrivaled and it will be great to work with one of the most successful rugby schools in Australia.”