Jack Kelleher previews West London derby

Trailfinders back rower Jack Kelleher previews the West London derby in Round Two of Elior Champ Rugby. 

Kelleher made his Champ Rugby debut last weekend in the win over Chinnor at Kingsey Road. This week, he starts in the back row against Richmond.

Speaking on his first Trailfinders cap, Kelleher said: ‘⁠It was great to get on for my first cap in a very competitive game with a great atmosphere. I really enjoyed it and was brilliant to get the win too.’

Playing Chinnor was always going to be a tough contest in the opening round of Champ Rugby. The physical clash meant that the Trailfinders bench had to bring the momentum with them onto the pitch.

‘You always have to be ready,’ Kelleher said. ‘You don’t know when you could be brought on, so staying focused and keeping a close eye on what’s happening in the game, along with having a chat with other back rows at half time helps a lot to be in the best place to bring an impact when you get on.’

Heading into the first home league match of the season, Kelleher offered his thoughts on his first run out at home in the Champ.

‘I’m really looking forward to it. There’s a great buzz in the squad for the first home game with the added element of a West London derby. I can’t wait to get out on Sunday.

‘We want to see improvements across the board, building on things we’ve worked on through pre-season and work ons from round one, adding layers to our attack and seeing our set piece and defensive system continuing to improve.’

Kelleher joined Trailfinders from Cork Constitution RFC for the 2026/27 season. This is his first time in a professional environment.

‘⁠I’ve found the Trailfinders environment great so far. The coaches have been brilliant and have helped me grow areas that needed it, while also improving strong areas of my game. After putting down a good pre-season I feel confident going into the rest of the season ahead.’

Living with fellow players and colleagues is something that many a Trailfinder experiences during their time at the club. Kelleher bunks with fellow teammates, whilst also soaking up what London has to offer.

‘I’m settling in very well. London is a great place to live and the lads in our player house have been great to live with. We all have very similar interests outside of rugby which has made it easy to settle in.

‘My favourite places on off days are either grabbing a coffee at Caffe Terrazzo or a round of golf in Sudbury golf club whenever we get the chance to get some active recovery in.’

Kelleher starts at blindside flanker this Sunday against Richmond in Round Two of Elior Champ Rugby.