Team News: Ealing Trailfinders vs Richmond

It’s West London derby weekend. Ealing Trailfinders have named their side to face Richmond in Round Two of Champ Rugby. 

Ben Ward has named his matchday 23 after last weekend’s win over Chinnor.

Mike Willemse will skipper the side for the first outing at Trailfinders Sports Club for the 2026/27 Elior Champ Rugby season.

Alongside Willemse in the front row is Kyle Whyte at loosehead and Adam Nicol at tighthead.

A fresh combo in the engine room sees Freddie Stevenson and Emeka Atuanya. Stevenson is set to make his Trailfinders debut in Champ Rugby.

In the back row, Jack Kelleher has been named at blindside flanker after coming off the bench in the Round One victory over Chinnor. Jordy Reid returns to openside flanker, with Fyn Brown named as eightman.

Michael Stronge starts at scrum-half. James Humphreys makes his Ealing Trailfinders debut at fly-half.

Francis Moore and Reuben Bird-Tulloch line up in the centres.

In the back three, Deago Bailey and Toby Cousins start on the wings. Will Feeney retains his place at fullback.

Ben Ward has named a 5-3 bench split.

Matt Cornish returns to the squad after a period of rehabilitation. Other inclusions on the bench are Bobby De Wee, Jamie Carr, and Rory Scannell.

Kick-off is at 2pm, Sunday 27 September.

Starting XV

15. Will Feeney

14. Toby Cousins

13. Reuben Bird-Tulloch

12. Francis Moore

11. Deago Bailey

10. James Humphreys

9. Michael Stronge

1. Kyle Whyte

2. Mike Willemse (C)

3. Adam Nicol

4. Freddie Stevenson

5. Emeka Atuanya

6. Jack Kelleher

7. Jordy Reid

8. Fyn Brown

REPLACEMENTS

16. Matt Cornish

17. Mikey Summerfield

18. Kabous Bezuidenhout

19. Bobby De Wee

20. Jamie Carr

21. Craig Hampson

22. Rory Scannell

23. Hayden Hyde