Rayn Smid Announces Retirement

Back rower Rayn Smid has announced his retirement from professional rugby following injury, and will continue his rehabilitation with the Club.

Since joining the Club in 2016, Smid has achieved 173 appearances across a glittering Ealing Trailfinders career, making him the most capped player in the professional era.

He won his first trophy with the Club in the 2017-18 season, as he started in the side that beat Leinster in the B&I Cup Final.

In the following season, he assumed the role of captain and played predominantly at number eight, and guided Ealing Trailfinders to Championship Cup glory against London Irish in 2018-19.

In his reign as Captain, he led the Club to their first ever Championship title in 2021-22, and scored an impressive 15 tries along the way.

In recent years, Smid went on to play a pivotal role in two further Championship titles (2023-24 and 2024-25), and two Premiership Cup runs that resulted in Trailfinders making it to the Semi-Final stage on both occasions.

Smid’s influence on the Club goes further than on the field, he is a well respected figure at Trailfinders Sports Club and will be missed by his teammates, coaches and staff.

Speaking about his time at the Club, Smid said:

“My nine seasons at Ealing Trailfinders have been incredibly special. The Club has played a huge role in both my life and my family’s life, helping me grow on and off the pitch.

“I’ve been honoured to be part of some outstanding squads that have achieved great things for this Club.

“While it’s bittersweet to be retiring, I’ll look back on my time at Trailfinders with real pride and fondness, and I’m excited to watch the Club continue to go from strength to strength.”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, added:

“Rayn has played a fundamental part in the Club’s transition from where it was several years ago to where we are now. He was an extremely athletic back rower, and his impact on and off the field will stand the test of time at Ealing Trailfinders.

“His mark on the club is undeniable: Rayn has a fantastic rugby brain and his leadership was pivotal for the development of the Club and the players that worked alongside him. The qualities that he offered as a player and Club Captain have shaped the Club to where it is today.”

Everyone at Ealing Trailfinders would like to thank Rayn for his contribution to the Club over the past nine seasons, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.