Thank You David Johnston (and welcome to the coaching team!)

Ealing Trailfinders can confirm that back David Johnston has retired from playing professional rugby and has joined the coaching team at the club with immediate effect.

Predominantly a fullback, David first joined the club back in 2018 and was part of the team that defeated London Irish in the Championship Cup Final in his first season at the club.

After a winning the Trailfinders Challenge Cup ahead of the reduced 2021 season, David was then an influential part of our historic league-cup double during the 2021/22 season. He played in 20 matches out of a possible 24 last year, starting 19 of them, including the final league game of the season against Richmond where we sealed the title, and the Championship Cup final against Coventry.

After an exciting start to the season this year, including an impressive score against Hartpury, David made the decision to retire from the game after following medical advice. His final appearance was away at Cornish Pirates at the start of December.

An incredible competitor with a great reading of the game, David retires having scored 17 tries in 73 appearances for the club.

He now moves into a coaching role with the Trailfinders, which he has been doing for the second half of this season, but today the club are delighted to formalise the role.

On the news of his retirement, David said: “Obviously I’m disappointed to be hanging up my boots, but after medical advice, I feel now is the right time.

“I’d like to thank all my team mates that I’ve played with over the years, all the coaches and staff who have helped me and all the supporters who have been there to cheer me on. To my family and friends, thank you for always being there for me and for everything you’ve sacrificed so that I could follow my dream of playing rugby.

“Although I won’t be taking to the pitch anymore, I’m really excited about my new role here as I move into working on the coaching team. I sort of just see it as a continuation of my playing career. I really enjoy working with people and helping them improve and I’m really passionate about the game and the club so although my role has slightly changed, the goals are still the same for me.

“The coaching team have been brilliant to help me settle in, Brett and KC I’ve worked with as a player for a while and Fowkesy is a really experienced coach. Wardy has been great, giving me the licence to lead sessions and develop as a coach and I’m excited to learn a lot more from them going forward.”

Ealing Trailfinders Director of Rugby Ben Ward said: “Although it’s a shame that DJ has had to retire from playing, I’m pleased that he will be continuing on with the club and that he will be starting his coaching journey at Trailfinders Sports Club.

“He has already been great over the last few months and his knowledge of the game and attention to detail makes me think he will become an exceptional coach and I’m delighted to have him on board for the upcoming season.”

You can catch an extended interview with David about his retirement and his transition into coaching in today’s episode of On The Trail.