Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|English rugby union club, based in London}}
{{Short description|English rugby union club, based in London}}
⚫
{{more citations needed|date=August 2015}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2014}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2014}}
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| teamname = Ealing Trailfinders
| teamname = Ealing Trailfinders
| image = Trailfinders rfc logo.png
| image = Trailfinders rfc logo.png
| imagesize = 180px
| imagesize = 180
| union = [[Middlesex Rugby Football Union|Middlesex RFU]], [[Surrey Rugby Football Union|Surrey RFU]]
| union = [[Middlesex Rugby Football Union|Middlesex RFU]], [[Surrey Rugby Football Union|Surrey RFU]]
| fullname = Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club
| fullname = Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club
| countryflag = ENG
| founded = {{Start date and age|1871}}{{efn|name=founded|According to Ealing Traifinders official website, the club played its first match in 1869 but the official date of establishment was set up in 1871.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ealingrugby.co.uk/?page_id=2652 | title=Club History | publisher=Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club | access-date=6 November 2013}}</ref>}}
| founded = {{Start date and age|1871}}{{efn|name=founded|According to Ealing Traifinders official website, the club played its first match in 1869 but the official date of establishment was set up in 1871.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ealingrugby.co.uk/?page_id=2652 | title=Club History | publisher=Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club | access-date=6 November 2013}}</ref>}}
| location = [[West Ealing]], [[London Borough of Ealing|Ealing]], [[London]], [[England]]
| location = [[West Ealing]], [[London Borough of Ealing|Ealing]], [[London]], [[England]]
| region =
| region =
| ground = [[Trailfinders Sports Ground]]
| ground = [[Trailfinders Sports Ground]]
| capacity = 4,000 (2,200 seats)
| capacity = 5,000 (2,200 seats)
| chairman =
| chairman =
| president = Dick Craig
| president = Dick Craig
| captain = [[Rayn Smid]]
| captain = [[Steven Shingler]]
| coach = [[Ben Ward (rugby union)|Ben Ward]]
| coach = [[Ben Ward (rugby union)|Ben Ward]]
| top scorer =
| top scorer =
| caps =
| caps =
| url = http://www.ealingrugby.co.uk
| url = https://www.ealingtrailfinders.com/
| league = [[RFU Championship]]
| league = [[RFU Championship]]
| season = [[2021–22 RFU Championship|2021–22]]
| season = [[2023–24 RFU Championship|2023–24]]
| position = 1st (Champions)
| position = Champions (not promoted)
|pattern_la1 =|pattern_b1=_white_hoops|pattern_ra1=|leftarm1=006666|body1=006666|rightarm1=006666|shorts1=ffffff|socks1=006666
|pattern_la1 =|pattern_b1=_white_hoops|pattern_ra1=|leftarm1=006666|body1=006666|rightarm1=006666|shorts1=006666|socks1=006666
}}
|Nickname=The Trailsmen}}


'''Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club''' is an [[England|English]] professional [[rugby union]] club based in [[West London (sub region)|West London]]. The club's first team are the current champions of the [[RFU Championship]] but will remain in that league due to ineligibility for promotion to [[Premiership Rugby]]. They were promoted to the league after they won [[National League 1]] in 2014–15.
'''Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club''' is an [[England|English]] professional [[rugby union]] club based in [[West London (sub region)|West London]]. The club's first team are the reigning [[RFU Championship]] champions of 2023–24 but were considered ineligible for promotion to [[Premiership Rugby]] as their home ground's capacity is too small.<ref name="Champions">{{cite news |title=Doncaster win the battle but Ealing are champions. |work=The RugbyPaper |issue=817 |date=12 May 2024 |page=22-23}}</ref> They were promoted to the league after they won [[National League 1]] in 2014–15.


==Structure of the club==
==Structure of the club==
The club's registered playing name with the RFU is Ealing Trailfinders. The club is a [[Mutual Society]] registered with the [[Financial Services Authority|FSA]], and run on behalf of its members and the game. The club is located in [[West London (sub region)|West London]] at [[Trailfinders Sports Ground]], just south of the [[A40 road|A40]] at the upper end of [[West Ealing]].
The club's registered playing name with the RFU is Ealing Trailfinders. The club is a [[Mutual Society]] registered with the [[Financial Services Authority|FSA]], and run on behalf of its members and the game. The club is located in [[West London (sub region)|West London]] at [[Trailfinders Sports Ground]], just south of the [[A40 road|A40]] at the upper end of [[West Ealing]].


The Club has a first team squad, Men's Section, Academy Section, Youth Section, Minis Section and Referees Section. The Ealing Trailfinders first team finished as champions in [[National League 1]] for season [[2012–13 National League 1|2012–13]] and won promotion, for the first time, to the second tier of the English rugby union leagues, the [[RFU Championship]]. After one season they finished in twelfth place and were relegated back to National League 1. They were then promoted once more the following season and have remained in the Championship ever since.
The club has a first team squad, Men's Section, Academy Section, Youth Section, Minis Section and Referees Section. The Ealing Trailfinders first team finished as champions in [[National League 1]] for season [[2012–13 National League 1|2012–13]] and won promotion, for the first time, to the second tier of the English rugby union leagues, the [[RFU Championship]]. After one season they finished in twelfth place and were relegated back to National League 1. They were then promoted once more the following season and have remained in the Championship ever since.


The Men's Section runs four teams, competing in The Shield and the Middlesex Merit Leagues, and Middlesex Veterans League. The Academy and Youth Sections are for players aged 13 to 23 and the new Academy feeds players directly into senior rugby. The youth teams cater for boys and girls at all levels of ability and currently have players representing the county at all age group levels, as well as players just being introduced to the game. The youth play in the Hertfordshire and Middlesex leagues and, in season 2011–12, were league winners at U14 level as well as winning Division Three at U16 level. The club is active at all levels. The mini and youth sections have teams in several age groups with over 750 registered players, making it the biggest club in Middlesex and one of the largest in the country.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}} The club's junior teams are regular winners of County Festivals, and champions of the Herts and Middlesex Leagues for Youth Rugby.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}}
The Men's Section runs four teams, competing in The Shield and the Middlesex Merit Leagues, and Middlesex Veterans League. The academy and Youth Sections are for players aged 13 to 23 and the new academy feeds players directly into senior rugby. The youth teams cater for boys and girls at all levels of ability and currently have players representing the county at all age group levels, as well as players just being introduced to the game. The youth play in the Hertfordshire and Middlesex leagues and, in season 2011–12, were league winners at U14 level as well as winning Division Three at U16 level. The club is active at all levels. The mini and youth sections have teams in several age groups with over 750 registered players, making it the biggest club in Middlesex and one of the largest in the country.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}} The club's junior teams are regular winners of County Festivals, and champions of the Herts and Middlesex Leagues for Youth Rugby.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}}


The club has developed a pathway for female players starting at 10 and running through to U18. Known as the Emeralds, this section has provided players to the England Elite Programme. The club has also seen players develop through the new structures to play for England and U.S.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}}
The club has developed a pathway for female players starting at 10 and running through to U18. Known as the Emeralds, this section has provided players to the England Elite Programme. The club has also seen players develop through the new structures to play for England and U.S.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}}
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Founded as Ealing Football Club (RU), the team played its first match in 1869<ref>[http://www.respiceprospice.co.uk www.respiceprospice.co.uk]</ref> on [[Ealing Common]], prior to the formation of the [[Rugby Football Union]] in 1871. The early years saw regular fixtures against the likes of [[Wasps RFC|Wasps]], [[London Irish]], [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]], [[Richmond RFC|Richmond]] and [[Blackheath F.C.|Blackheath]] with 75% win rate for a long period.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}}
Founded as Ealing Football Club (RU), the team played its first match in 1869<ref>[http://www.respiceprospice.co.uk www.respiceprospice.co.uk]</ref> on [[Ealing Common]], prior to the formation of the [[Rugby Football Union]] in 1871. The early years saw regular fixtures against the likes of [[Wasps RFC|Wasps]], [[London Irish]], [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]], [[Richmond RFC|Richmond]] and [[Blackheath F.C.|Blackheath]] with 75% win rate for a long period.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}}


[[Leopold de Rothschild]] was the first president of the Club and held this office from 1896 to 1914.<ref>[http://www.respiceprospice.co.uk www.respiceprospice.co.uk]</ref>
[[Leopold de Rothschild]] was the first president of the club and held this office from 1896 to 1914.<ref>[http://www.respiceprospice.co.uk www.respiceprospice.co.uk]</ref>


Between 1894 and 1958 the club moved location numerous times – [[Hanger Lane]] – West Middlesex Polo Club – [[Gunnersbury Park]] – [[Drayton Green]] – [[Gillette Corner|Syon Lane]], [[Horsenden Hill]].
Between 1894 and 1958 the club moved location numerous times – [[Hanger Lane]] – West Middlesex Polo Club – [[Gunnersbury Park]] – [[Drayton Green]] – [[Gillette Corner|Syon Lane]], [[Horsenden Hill]].
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===1995 – present===
===1995 – present===
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{{More citations needed|section|date=February 2023}}
In 1996 Ealing were relegated from London 1. In response, the club formed youth and minis sections, and moved to a new ground at Trailfinders Sports Club in 1999. The Club has been awarded two [[Rugby Football Union|RFU]] Presidents Awards, the first in 2007 for its work on referee development that has extended into a national programme, and the second in 2008 for coaching excellence. In 2009, the club fielded two first team players who had been developed through the Juniors.
In 1996 Ealing were relegated from London 1. In response, the club formed youth and minis sections, and moved to a new ground at Trailfinders Sports Club in 1999. The club has been awarded two [[Rugby Football Union|RFU]] Presidents Awards, the first in 2007 for its work on referee development that has extended into a national programme, and the second in 2008 for coaching excellence. In 2009, the club fielded two first team players who had been developed through the Juniors.


In the 2009–10, season the Club was the only team in the National Leagues to score more than 1,000 points, averaging more than 36 in each game. The club narrowly missed out on promotion to [[National League 1|National One]] by losing to [[Barking Rugby Football Club|Barking RFC]] by 2 points and [[Rosslyn Park F.C.|Rosslyn Park]] by 1.
In the 2009–10, season the club was the only team in the National Leagues to score more than 1,000 points, averaging more than 36 in each game. The club narrowly missed out on promotion to [[National League 1|National One]] by losing to [[Barking Rugby Football Club|Barking RFC]] by 2 points and [[Rosslyn Park F.C.|Rosslyn Park]] by 1.


In 2010–11, the club started its Community Rugby programme providing coaching support and access to the game to schools and other groups throughout Ealing and West London. During this season, Ealing's winger [[Phil Chesters]] scored 70 tries which is the record for the most tries in an English Rugby season.<ref>[http://www.ealingrugby.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=191 History of the Club at official website]</ref>
In 2010–11, the club started its Community Rugby programme providing coaching support and access to the game to schools and other groups throughout Ealing and West London. During this season, Ealing's winger [[Phil Chesters]] scored 70 tries which is the record for the most tries in an English Rugby season.<ref>[http://www.ealingrugby.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=191 History of the Club at official website]</ref>
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2012–13: National League 1, 1st place Esher 2nd<br />
2012–13: National League 1, 1st place Esher 2nd<br />
2013–14: [[RFU Championship]], 12th<br />
2013–14: [[RFU Championship]], 12th<br />
Midway through the season long-serving director of rugby Mike Cudmore announced that he would be stepping down at the season's end. Head coach and fly-half [[Ben Ward (rugby union)|Ben Ward]] was appointed director of coaching from the start of the 2014–15 season. After fighting against relegation for the majority of the season, Ealing Trailfinders were eventually relegated on the final day of the season by one point after they lost at home to [[Rotherham R.U.F.C.|Rotherham Titans]], while [[Jersey Reds|Jersey]] won away to [[Bedford Blues]]<br />
Midway through the season long-serving director of rugby Mike Cudmore announced that he would be stepping down at the season's end. Head coach and fly-half [[Ben Ward (rugby union)|Ben Ward]] was appointed director of coaching from the start of the 2014–15 season. After fighting against relegation for the majority of the season, Ealing Trailfinders were eventually relegated on the final day of the season by one point after they lost at home to [[Rotherham R.U.F.C.|Rotherham Titans]], while [[Jersey Reds|Jersey]] won away to [[Bedford Blues]]


'''2014–15: National League 1, 1st'''<br />
'''2014–15: National League 1: 1st'''<br />
Ealing Trailfinders quickly established themselves in first place in National 1 and they won the title with a haul of 136 points, nine ahead of their nearest rivals Rosslyn Park.
Ealing Trailfinders quickly established themselves in first place in National 1 and they won the title with a haul of 136 points, nine ahead of their nearest rivals Rosslyn Park.


'''2015–2016: [[RFU Championship]], 11th'''
'''2015–16: [[RFU Championship]]: 11th'''


Ealing had another tough season in life back in the Championship, however were able to beat [[Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club|Birmingham Moseley]] on the last day of the season, ensuring survival in the second division of English Rugby.
Ealing had another tough season in life back in the Championship, however were able to beat [[Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club|Birmingham Moseley]] on the last day of the season, ensuring survival in the second division of English Rugby.


'''2016–2017: [[RFU Championship]] : 3rd'''
'''2016–17: [[RFU Championship]] : 3rd'''


Ealing Trailfinders announced the appointment of [[Alex Codling]] as Head Coach at Ealing, with Ben Ward being named as director of rugby. The Club also signed long time servant of [[London Scottish F.C.|London Scottish]] and Championship veteran [[Mark Bright (rugby union)|Mark Bright]], who became captain on a regular basis as the season progressed. Ealing's season progressed well, winning important games against strong opposition such as [[Cornish Pirates]] and [[Jersey Reds|Jersey reds]] and only losing 23-24 to eventual league winners [[London Irish]], where Ealing were winning up until the last minute of the game. Ealing reached the play-offs, eventually finishing 3rd, the highest league position the club has achieved. They faced [[Yorkshire Carnegie]], who in the first leg beat Ealing 34–16. The 2nd leg ended 20–18 to Ealing with a standout end to end try by Luke Peters at the death. However this was not enough, as Carnegie progressed to the final '''(agg 52–36).'''
Ealing Trailfinders announced the appointment of [[Alex Codling]] as Head Coach at Ealing, with Ben Ward being named as director of rugby. The club also signed long time servant of [[London Scottish F.C.|London Scottish]] and Championship veteran [[Mark Bright (rugby union)|Mark Bright]], who became captain on a regular basis as the season progressed. Ealing's season progressed well, winning important games against strong opposition such as [[Cornish Pirates]] and [[Jersey Reds|Jersey reds]] and only losing 23–24 to eventual league winners [[London Irish]], where Ealing were winning up until the last minute of the game. Ealing reached the play-offs, eventually finishing 3rd, the highest league position the club has achieved. They faced [[Yorkshire Carnegie]], who in the first leg beat Ealing 34–16. The 2nd leg ended 20–18 to Ealing with a standout end to end try by Luke Peters at the death. However this was not enough, as Carnegie progressed to the final '''(agg 52–36).'''


'''2017–2018: [[RFU Championship]] : 2nd'''
'''2017–2018: [[RFU Championship]] : 2nd'''


Ealing Trailfinders started the 2017–2018 campaign after having their most successful season in the club's history. At the start of the season, [[Mark Bright (rugby union)|Mark Bright]] was named Ealing's Club Captain. The Trailfinders also brought in many marquee signings, including internationals such as [[Andrew Durutalo]], [[Grayson Hart]], [[Shane O'Leary]] and [[Djustice Sears-Duru]]. Ealing started the season with a tight 29–28 win against [[Cornish Pirates]]. However Ealing maintained a 100% win status in the opening weeks of the season, including a 72–12 rout of [[London Scottish F.C.|London Scottish]] in front of [[Sky Sports]] cameras. On 1 October Ealing faced the formidable Bristol at Ashton Gate. The Trailsmen were chasing the score for most of the game thanks to early tries from [[Alapati Leiua]] and [[Ross McMillan]], giving Bristol momentum which lasted for a large amount of the game. However Ealing fought their way back into the game thanks to a dominant Ealing pack, which allowed [[Alun Walker]] and Will Davis to score. Ealing led by one point at the 72nd minute, however a well-worked Bristol try from the halfway line and a penalty right at the death cruelly denied Ealing the win or a losing bonus point.
Ealing Trailfinders started the 2017–2018 campaign after having their most successful season in the club's history. At the start of the season, [[Mark Bright (rugby union)|Mark Bright]] was named Ealing's Club Captain. The team won the final of the [[British and Irish Cup]] against [[Leinster A|Leinster 'A']] 22–7, the last winners of the competition. Towards the end of the season Ealing announced over 25 signings, including the likes of [[Sam Olver]], [[Guy Armitage]], Craig Willis, [[Harry Sloan]], [[Jordy Reid]], and the re-signing of [[Andrew Durutalo]] (who had left earlier in the season). Ealing also released about 3/4 of their team from this season.


⚫
During a [[Talksport]] Interview, Ben Ward, Director of Rugby announced that Ealing wanted promotion to the [[Premiership Rugby|premiership]] due to the impending danger of ring-fencing.
Ealing bounced back well with an emphatic 31–8 victory against [[Jersey Reds]] and continued this impressive form, only having a small blip against Nottingham and losing by one point after conceding three tries in the early stages of the game. The Trailfinders also easily won topped their British and Irish Cup pool, with impressive wins against Connacht 'A' (78–12) (71–14) and Rotherham Titans (45–10).


⚫
'''2020–21: Seeking Premiership Promotion.'''
Ealing met Bristol again in February at Vallis Way and lost controversially 27–28 in appalling conditions. Bristol were awarded a Try which (shown by the TMO) was a knock on and No.3 Sione Faletau was only given a yellow card for multiple punches to the head of an Ealing player. Although it meant that promotion hopes were dampened significantly, it meant more focus could be put on the [[British and Irish Cup]] campaign.


⚫
Trailfinders finished top of the table during the [[2020–21 RFU Championship|2020–21 Championship season]] and contested a two-legged play-off with [[Saracens F.C.|Saracens]] for promotion. In order to be a premiership club, Ealing must increase the capacity of Vallis Way or ground share with a local club. In June 2021, it was confirmed that a ground-share deal at Saracens' [[Barnet Copthall|Copthall Stadium]] was in place but the RFU would not permit promotion as a deadline had been missed. Ealing intended to appeal this decision as they claim they had not had sufficient information from the league.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-12|title=Ealing dispute RFU ruling on failure to meet Premiership stadium criteria|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jun/12/rugby-union-ealing-trailfinders-championship-stadium-rfu-promotion|access-date=2021-06-13|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref>
Ealing went from strength to strength after the Bristol game, beating Jersey, Cornish Pirates (in the quarter-final of the [[British and Irish Cup]]) and [[Hartpury College R.F.C.|Hartpury]] . Most impressively, Ealing pulled off a 23–23 draw against [[Yorkshire Carnegie]] with only 19 players. At one point in the game, Ealing had six front rowers in the scrum and five academy players on the field. Reon Joseph, an academy player, won MOTM, with two individual tries. On 21 April Ealing faced [[Bedford Blues]] in the Semi Final of the [[British and Irish Cup]]. Another strong performance from the Trailfinders, including one of the tries of the season from Luke Carter resulted in Ealing winning 36-16 against a well-drilled Bedford team. Ealing faced [[Leinster A|Leinster 'A']] in the final on 12 May 2018. Leinster brought a strong team to Vallis Way, including Irish internationals such as [[Adam Byrne]]. A tight first few minutes saw Leinster lead 7–3 in greasy conditions. However, as the second half started, Ealing pulled away from the Irish outfit with Joe Munro scoring from a James Cordy-Redden offload. The captain Mark Bright also crashed over the line from a strongly set Ealing maul, confirming the Trailfinders cup victory. In the end Ealing came out 22–7 victors, the last winners of the competition.


⚫
'''2021-22: Championship winner'''
Towards the end of the season Ealing announced over 25 signings, including the likes of [[Sam Olver]], [[Guy Armitage]], Craig Willis, [[Harry Sloan]], [[Jordy Reid]], and the re-signing of [[Andrew Durutalo]] (who had left earlier in the season). Ealing also released about 3/4 of their team from this season.


⚫
Following the final round of fixtures, Trailfinders remained top of the table and were therefore crowned champions on 2 April 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ealing Trailfinders Crowned Champions |url=https://www.championshiprugby.co.uk/news/article/ealing-trailfinders-crowned-champions |access-date=2022-04-09 |website=www.championshiprugby.co.uk}}</ref>
⚫
During a [[Talksport]] Interview, Ben Ward, Director of Rugby announced that Ealing wanted promotion to the [[Premiership Rugby|premiership]] due to the impending danger of ring-fencing.


⚫
It had previously been announced that they were once again ineligible for promotion due to capacity of Vallis Way.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Update on Minimum Standards Criteria for Promotion |url=https://www.championshiprugby.co.uk/news/article/update-on-minimum-standards-criteria-for-promotion |access-date=2022-04-09 |website=www.championshiprugby.co.uk}}</ref> Trailfinders expressed their disappointment to this ruling stating they had a three-year sustainable plan to reach the required capacity.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Club Statement - RFU Minimum Standards Criteria |url=http://www.ealingtrailfinders.com/news/club-statement-rfu-minimum-standards |access-date=2022-04-09 |website=www.ealingtrailfinders.com}}</ref> Their appeal against the decision was withdrawn in April 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=news |url=http://www.ealingtrailfinders.com/news/club-statement-on-minimum-standards-criteria |access-date=2022-04-23 |website=www.ealingtrailfinders.com}}</ref>
Trailfinders also finished 2nd in the following two seasons.


'''2022–2023: [[RFU Championship]] holders'''
⚫
'''2020–21 Seeking Premiership Promotion.'''


Ealing entered the season as reigning champions, and had finished in the top two in each of the last five years. However, it was announced in February 2023 that Trailfinders were once again ineligible for promotion to the Premiership due to their ground not meeting the criteria. They did not nominate an alternative ground for audit.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ealing ineligible for Premiership promotion again |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/64626910 |access-date=2023-02-14}}</ref>
⚫
Trailfinders finished top of the table during the [[2020–21 RFU Championship|2020–21 Championship season]] and contested a two-legged play-off with [[Saracens F.C.|Saracens]] for promotion. In order to be a premiership club, Ealing must increase the capacity of Vallis Way or ground share with a local club. In June 2021, it was confirmed that a ground-share deal at Saracens' [[Barnet Copthall|Copthall Stadium]] was in place but the RFU would not permit promotion as a deadline had been missed. Ealing intended to appeal this decision as they claim they had not had sufficient information from the league.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-12|title=Ealing dispute RFU ruling on failure to meet Premiership stadium criteria|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jun/12/rugby-union-ealing-trailfinders-championship-stadium-rfu-promotion|access-date=2021-06-13|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref>

⚫
'''2022: Championship winner'''

⚫
Following the final round of fixtures, Trailfinders remained top of the table and where therefore crowned champions on 2 April 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ealing Trailfinders Crowned Champions |url=https://www.championshiprugby.co.uk/news/article/ealing-trailfinders-crowned-champions |access-date=2022-04-09 |website=www.championshiprugby.co.uk}}</ref>

⚫
It had previously been announced that they were once again ineligible for promotion due to capacity of Vallis Way.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Update on Minimum Standards Criteria for Promotion |url=https://www.championshiprugby.co.uk/news/article/update-on-minimum-standards-criteria-for-promotion |access-date=2022-04-09 |website=www.championshiprugby.co.uk}}</ref> Trailfinders expressed their disappointment to this ruling stating they had a three-year sustainable plan to reach the required capacity.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Club Statement - RFU Minimum Standards Criteria |url=http://www.ealingtrailfinders.com/news/club-statement-rfu-minimum-standards |access-date=2022-04-09 |website=www.ealingtrailfinders.com}}</ref> Their appeal against the decision was withdrawn in April 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=news |url=http://www.ealingtrailfinders.com/news/club-statement-on-minimum-standards-criteria |access-date=2022-04-23 |website=www.ealingtrailfinders.com}}</ref>


==Ealing 1871==
==Ealing 1871==
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* [[RFU Championship Cup]] winners (twice): [[2018–19 RFU Championship Cup|2018–19]], [[2021–22 RFU Championship Cup|2021–22]]
* [[RFU Championship Cup]] winners (twice): [[2018–19 RFU Championship Cup|2018–19]], [[2021–22 RFU Championship Cup|2021–22]]
* Trailfinders Challenge Cup winners: [[2020–21 RFU Championship#Pre-season competition|2021]]
* Trailfinders Challenge Cup winners: [[2020–21 RFU Championship#Pre-season competition|2021]]
* [[RFU Championship]] winners [[2021–22 RFU Championship|2021–22]]
* [[RFU Championship]] winners (2): [[2021–22 RFU Championship|2021–22]], [[2023–24 RFU Championship|2023–24]]<ref name="Champions">{{cite news |title=Doncaster win the battle but Ealing are champions. |work=The RugbyPaper |issue=817 |date=12 May 2024 |page=22-23}}</ref>
'''Ealing 1871 (Amateur)'''
'''Ealing 1871 (Amateur)'''
* [[Herts/Middlesex 2]] champions: 2019–20
* [[Herts/Middlesex 2]] champions: 2019–20


==Current standings==
==Current standings==
{{2021–22 RFU Championship Table}}
{{2023–24 RFU Championship Table}}


==Current squad==
==Current squad==
{{for|player movements before or during the [[2022–23 RFU Championship|2022–23 season]]|List of 2022–23 RFU Championship transfers#Ealing Trailfinders}}
{{for|player movements before or during the [[2023–24 RFU Championship|2023–24 season]]|List of 2023–24 RFU Championship transfers#Ealing Trailfinders}}


The Ealing Trailfinders senior squad for the [[2022–23 RFU Championship|2022–23 season]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ealingtrailfinders.com/team/mens-squad|publisher=Ealing Trailfinders|title=Professional Squaddate=13 August 2022|accessdate=13 August 2022}}</ref>
The Ealing Trailfinders senior squad for the [[2023–24 RFU Championship|2023–24 season]] is:<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.ealingtrailfinders.com/team/mens-squad|publisher=Ealing Trailfinders|title=Men's Squad|date=9 March 2024|accessdate=9 March 2024}}</ref>


{{rugby squad start}}
{{rugby squad start}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=HK | name=[[Jan-Henning Campher]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=HK | name=[[Matt Cornish]]}}
⚫
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=HK | name=[[Shaun Malton]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=IRE | pos=HK | name=[[Kevin O'Byrne]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=IRE | pos=HK | name=[[Kevin O'Byrne]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=HK | name=[[Cameron Terry (rugby union)|Cameron Terry]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=HK | name=[[Henry Walker (rugby union)|Henry Walker]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=HK | name=[[Morgan Veness]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=HK | name=[[Mike Willemse]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=SCO | pos=HK | name=[[Alun Walker]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=[[Biyi Alo]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=[[George Davis (rugby union, born 1995)|George Davis]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=[[George Davis (rugby union)|George Davis]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=[[Will Davis (rugby union)|Will Davis]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=[[Will Goodrick-Clarke]]}}
⚫
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=[[James Gibbons (rugby union)|James Gibbons]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=IRE | pos=PR | name=[[Ross Kane]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=IRE | pos=PR | name=[[Ross Kane]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=[[Oisin Kearney]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=FRA | pos=PR | name=[[Sami Mavinga]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=NZL | pos=PR | name=[[Jimmy Roots]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=NZL | pos=PR | name=[[Jimmy Roots]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=[[Lewis Thiede]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=PR | name=[[Brad Thyer]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=PR | name=[[Kyle Whyte]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=PR | name=[[Kyle Whyte]]}}
⚫
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=PR | name=[[Lefty Zigiriadis]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=[[Matt Cannon]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=[[Danny Cutmore]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=[[Danny Cutmore]]}}
⚫
{{rugby squad player | nat=SCO | pos=LK | name=[[Andrew Davidson (rugby union)|Andrew Davidson]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=LK | name=[[Bobby de Wee]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=LK | name=[[Bobby de Wee]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=[[David Douglas-Bridge]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=[[Simon Linsell]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=[[Simon Linsell]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=[[Barney Maddison]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=[[Barney Maddison]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=AUS | pos=BR | name=[[Jack Digby (rugby union)|Jack Digby]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=[[Harry Dugmore]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=[[Rob Farrar]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=[[Rob Farrar]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=AUS | pos=BR | name=[[Adam Korczyk]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=NAM | pos=BR | name='''[[Richard Hardwick]]'''}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=[[Will Montgomery (rugby union)|Will Montgomery]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=[[Will Montgomery (rugby union)|Will Montgomery]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=[[Ollie Newman]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=[[Ollie Newman]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=[[Max Northcote-Green]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=IRE | pos=BR | name=[[David O'Connor (rugby union)|David O'Connor]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=IRE | pos=BR | name=[[David O'Connor (rugby union)|David O'Connor]]}}
⚫
{{rugby squad player | nat=AUS | pos=BR | name=[[Jordy Reid]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=BR | name=[[Rayn Smid]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=BR | name=[[Rayn Smid]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=AUS | pos=BR | name=[[Carlo Tizzano]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=[[Simon Uzokwe]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=[[Simon Uzokwe]]}}
{{rugby squad mid}}
{{rugby squad mid}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=SH | name=[[Jordan Burns (rugby union)|Jordan Burns]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=SH | name=[[Jordan Burns (rugby union)|Jordan Burns]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=SH | name=[[Oliver Fox (rugby union)|Ollie Fox]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=AUS | pos=SH | name=[[Jack Grant (rugby union)|Jack Grant]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=SH | name=[[Craig Hampson]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=SH | name=[[Craig Hampson]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=SH | name=[[Dan Hiscocks]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=SH | name='''[[Lloyd Williams (rugby union, born 1989)|Lloyd Williams]]'''}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=FH | name=[[Dan Lancaster (rugby union)|Dan Lancaster]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=FH | name=[[Dan Lancaster (rugby union)|Dan Lancaster]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=FH | name=[[Steven Shingler]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=FH | name=[[Steven Shingler]]}}
Line 176: Line 160:
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name=[[Reuben Bird-Tulloch]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name=[[Reuben Bird-Tulloch]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name=[[Max Bodilly]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name=[[Max Bodilly]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name=[[Tom Georgiou]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name=[[Tom Hitchcock (rugby union)|Tom Hitchcock]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=CE | name=[[Patrick Howard (rugby union)|Patrick Howard]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=CE | name=[[Patrick Howard (rugby union)|Pat Howard]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=NZL | pos=CE | name=[[James Little (rugby union)|James Little]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=AUS | pos=CE | name=[[Dan O-Brien (rugby union)|Dan O'Brien]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=IRE | pos=CE | name=[[Peter Robb (rugby union)|Peter Robb]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name='''[[Billy Twelvetrees]]'''}}
⚫
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=[[Tom Collins (rugby union, born 1994)|Tom Collins]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=[[James Cordy-Redden]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=[[James Cordy-Redden]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=[[Josh Gillespie]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=[[Nathan Earle (rugby union)|Nathan Earle]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=WG | name='''[[Jonah Holmes]]'''}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=WG | name='''[[Jonah Holmes]]'''}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=IRE | pos=WG | name=[[Angus Kernohan]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=IRE | pos=WG | name=[[Angus Kernohan]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=IRE | pos=WG | name=[[Cian Kelleher]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=[[Jack Metcalf (rugby union)|Jack Metcalf]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=[[Isaac Shaw]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=FB | name=[[Luke Daniels (rugby union)|Luke Daniels]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=FB | name=[[Luke Daniels (rugby union)|Luke Daniels]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=IRE | pos=FB | name=[[David Johnston (rugby union)|David Johnston]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=IRE | pos=FB | name=[[Cian Kelleher]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=FB | name=[[Marcus Kershaw]]}}
{{rugby squad end}}
{{rugby squad end}}

===Academy squad===
The Ealing Trailfinders academy squad is:<ref name="Ealing Academy Squad">{{cite web|url=http://www.ealingtrailfinders.com/academy/academy-squad|title=Ealing Academy Squad|work=Ealing Trailfinders|access-date=10 August 2019}}</ref>

{{Rugby squad start}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=HK | name=[[Max Brewer (rugby union)|Max Brewer]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=HK | name=[[Freddie Fearnley]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=IRL | pos=HK | name=[[Niall Hardiman]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=HK | name=[[Arun Watkins]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=[[Teyi Adeyeye]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=[[Ash Chirima]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=[[Noah de Wild]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=PR | name=[[Brandon Jewell]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=PR | name=[[George Okolo]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=[[Oscar Berry]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=LK | name=[[Callum Ross (rugby union)|Callum Ross]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=SCO | pos=LK | name=[[Josh Taylor (rugby union)|Josh Taylor]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=[[Andrew Fadera]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=BR | name=[[Toby Ponsford]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=BR | name=[[Zach Toerien]]}}
{{rugby squad mid}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=SH | name=[[Lewis Eaton (rugby union)|Lewis Eaton]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=SH | name=[[Harry Johnson (rugby union)|Harry Johnson]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=IRE | pos=SH | name=[[Ciaran Roberts]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=SH | name=[[Leon Wood (rugby union)|Leon Wood]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=WAL | pos=FH | name=[[Ethan Morgan]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=FH | name=[[Werner Nel]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name=[[Brandon Jackson (rugby union)|Brandon Jackson]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=CE | name=[[Bradley Law]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=CE | name=[[Josh Shing]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=[[Scott Harman]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=[[Freddie Hayes]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=[[Tom Jones (rugby union)|Tom Jones]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=[[Reon Lewis]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=ENG | pos=WG | name=[[Luke Trigg]]}}
{{rugby squad player | nat=RSA | pos=FB | name=[[Jared Rees]]}}
{{Rugby squad end}}


==Notes==
==Notes==
Line 236: Line 180:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{official website}}
* [http://www.ealingrugby.co.uk Official site]


⚫
{{Ealing Trailfinders squad}}
{{RFU Championship}}
{{RFU Championship}}
{{RFU Championship Venues}}
{{British and Irish Cup}}
{{British and Irish Cup}}
⚫
{{coord|51.5252|-0.3300|display=title|region:GB_type:landmark}}
{{Rugby union in England}}
⚫
{{Ealing Trailfinders squad}}

⚫
{{coord|51.525175|-0.330042|display=title|region:GB_type:landmark}}


[[Category:English rugby union teams]]
[[Category:Rugby union teams in England]]
[[Category:Rugby clubs established in 1871]]
[[Category:Rugby clubs established in 1871]]
[[Category:Rugby union clubs in London]]
[[Category:Rugby union clubs in London]]

Latest revision as of 19:51, 14 May 2024

Ealing Trailfinders
Full nameEaling Trailfinders Rugby Club
UnionMiddlesex RFU, Surrey RFU
Founded1871; 153 years ago (1871)[a]
LocationWest Ealing, Ealing, London, England
Ground(s)Trailfinders Sports Ground (Capacity: 5,000 (2,200 seats))
PresidentDick Craig
Coach(es)Ben Ward
Captain(s)Steven Shingler
League(s)RFU Championship
2023–24Champions (not promoted)
Team kit
Official website
www.ealingtrailfinders.com

Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club is an English professional rugby union club based in West London. The club's first team are the reigning RFU Championship champions of 2023–24 but were considered ineligible for promotion to Premiership Rugby as their home ground's capacity is too small.[2] They were promoted to the league after they won National League 1 in 2014–15.

Structure of the club[edit]

The club's registered playing name with the RFU is Ealing Trailfinders. The club is a Mutual Society registered with the FSA, and run on behalf of its members and the game. The club is located in West London at Trailfinders Sports Ground, just south of the A40 at the upper end of West Ealing.

The club has a first team squad, Men's Section, Academy Section, Youth Section, Minis Section and Referees Section. The Ealing Trailfinders first team finished as champions in National League 1 for season 2012–13 and won promotion, for the first time, to the second tier of the English rugby union leagues, the RFU Championship. After one season they finished in twelfth place and were relegated back to National League 1. They were then promoted once more the following season and have remained in the Championship ever since.

The Men's Section runs four teams, competing in The Shield and the Middlesex Merit Leagues, and Middlesex Veterans League. The academy and Youth Sections are for players aged 13 to 23 and the new academy feeds players directly into senior rugby. The youth teams cater for boys and girls at all levels of ability and currently have players representing the county at all age group levels, as well as players just being introduced to the game. The youth play in the Hertfordshire and Middlesex leagues and, in season 2011–12, were league winners at U14 level as well as winning Division Three at U16 level. The club is active at all levels. The mini and youth sections have teams in several age groups with over 750 registered players, making it the biggest club in Middlesex and one of the largest in the country.[citation needed] The club's junior teams are regular winners of County Festivals, and champions of the Herts and Middlesex Leagues for Youth Rugby.[citation needed]

The club has developed a pathway for female players starting at 10 and running through to U18. Known as the Emeralds, this section has provided players to the England Elite Programme. The club has also seen players develop through the new structures to play for England and U.S.[citation needed]

History[edit]

1869 – 1995[edit]

Founded as Ealing Football Club (RU), the team played its first match in 1869[3] on Ealing Common, prior to the formation of the Rugby Football Union in 1871. The early years saw regular fixtures against the likes of Wasps, London Irish, Harlequins, Richmond and Blackheath with 75% win rate for a long period.[citation needed]

Leopold de Rothschild was the first president of the club and held this office from 1896 to 1914.[4]

Between 1894 and 1958 the club moved location numerous times – Hanger Lane – West Middlesex Polo Club – Gunnersbury Park – Drayton Green – Syon Lane, Horsenden Hill.

Ealing Rugby Club's centenary match was played against Harlequins in 1970. In the 1970s and ’80s Ealing supplied many county level players for Middlesex. In 1987 the club finished top of London Division 1 and during the next six years was never lower than 2nd in London 1 nor higher than 10th in National 5. Ealing won the Middlesex cup three times in this period.

1995 – present[edit]

In 1996 Ealing were relegated from London 1. In response, the club formed youth and minis sections, and moved to a new ground at Trailfinders Sports Club in 1999. The club has been awarded two RFU Presidents Awards, the first in 2007 for its work on referee development that has extended into a national programme, and the second in 2008 for coaching excellence. In 2009, the club fielded two first team players who had been developed through the Juniors.

In the 2009–10, season the club was the only team in the National Leagues to score more than 1,000 points, averaging more than 36 in each game. The club narrowly missed out on promotion to National One by losing to Barking RFC by 2 points and Rosslyn Park by 1.

In 2010–11, the club started its Community Rugby programme providing coaching support and access to the game to schools and other groups throughout Ealing and West London. During this season, Ealing's winger Phil Chesters scored 70 tries which is the record for the most tries in an English Rugby season.[5]

2007–08: National Division 3 South, 3rd place Mounts Bay 1st; Cinderford 2nd
2008–09: National Division 3 South, 3rd place London Scottish 1st; Rosslyn Park 2nd
2009–10: National League 2 South, 3rd place Barking 1st; Rosslyn Park 2nd[6]
2010–11: National League 2 South, 1st place Jersey 2nd
2011–12: National League 1, 2nd place Jersey 1st
2012–13: National League 1, 1st place Esher 2nd
2013–14: RFU Championship, 12th
Midway through the season long-serving director of rugby Mike Cudmore announced that he would be stepping down at the season's end. Head coach and fly-half Ben Ward was appointed director of coaching from the start of the 2014–15 season. After fighting against relegation for the majority of the season, Ealing Trailfinders were eventually relegated on the final day of the season by one point after they lost at home to Rotherham Titans, while Jersey won away to Bedford Blues

2014–15: National League 1: 1st
Ealing Trailfinders quickly established themselves in first place in National 1 and they won the title with a haul of 136 points, nine ahead of their nearest rivals Rosslyn Park.

2015–16: RFU Championship: 11th

Ealing had another tough season in life back in the Championship, however were able to beat Birmingham Moseley on the last day of the season, ensuring survival in the second division of English Rugby.

2016–17: RFU Championship : 3rd

Ealing Trailfinders announced the appointment of Alex Codling as Head Coach at Ealing, with Ben Ward being named as director of rugby. The club also signed long time servant of London Scottish and Championship veteran Mark Bright, who became captain on a regular basis as the season progressed. Ealing's season progressed well, winning important games against strong opposition such as Cornish Pirates and Jersey reds and only losing 23–24 to eventual league winners London Irish, where Ealing were winning up until the last minute of the game. Ealing reached the play-offs, eventually finishing 3rd, the highest league position the club has achieved. They faced Yorkshire Carnegie, who in the first leg beat Ealing 34–16. The 2nd leg ended 20–18 to Ealing with a standout end to end try by Luke Peters at the death. However this was not enough, as Carnegie progressed to the final (agg 52–36).

2017–2018: RFU Championship : 2nd

Ealing Trailfinders started the 2017–2018 campaign after having their most successful season in the club's history. At the start of the season, Mark Bright was named Ealing's Club Captain. The team won the final of the British and Irish Cup against Leinster 'A' 22–7, the last winners of the competition. Towards the end of the season Ealing announced over 25 signings, including the likes of Sam Olver, Guy Armitage, Craig Willis, Harry Sloan, Jordy Reid, and the re-signing of Andrew Durutalo (who had left earlier in the season). Ealing also released about 3/4 of their team from this season.

During a Talksport Interview, Ben Ward, Director of Rugby announced that Ealing wanted promotion to the premiership due to the impending danger of ring-fencing.

2020–21: Seeking Premiership Promotion.

Trailfinders finished top of the table during the 2020–21 Championship season and contested a two-legged play-off with Saracens for promotion. In order to be a premiership club, Ealing must increase the capacity of Vallis Way or ground share with a local club. In June 2021, it was confirmed that a ground-share deal at Saracens' Copthall Stadium was in place but the RFU would not permit promotion as a deadline had been missed. Ealing intended to appeal this decision as they claim they had not had sufficient information from the league.[7]

2021-22: Championship winner

Following the final round of fixtures, Trailfinders remained top of the table and were therefore crowned champions on 2 April 2022.[8]

It had previously been announced that they were once again ineligible for promotion due to capacity of Vallis Way.[9] Trailfinders expressed their disappointment to this ruling stating they had a three-year sustainable plan to reach the required capacity.[10] Their appeal against the decision was withdrawn in April 2022.[11]

2022–2023: RFU Championship holders

Ealing entered the season as reigning champions, and had finished in the top two in each of the last five years. However, it was announced in February 2023 that Trailfinders were once again ineligible for promotion to the Premiership due to their ground not meeting the criteria. They did not nominate an alternative ground for audit.[12]

Ealing 1871[edit]

Ealing Trailfinders also has an amateur team called Ealing 1871 formed in 2019.[13] Ealing 1871 entered the English league structure for the first team during the 2019–20 season, experiencing instant success as they finished as champions of Herts/Middlesex 2 in their debut season.[14]

Club honours[edit]

Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing 1871 (Amateur)

Current standings[edit]

2023–24 RFU Championship table
Pos Team
 Pld W D L PF PA PD TB LB Pts
1 Ealing Trailfinders (C) 20 16 0 4 823 417 +406 16 2 82
2 Cornish Pirates 20 15 1 4 589 408 +181 12 1 75
3 Coventry 20 14 0 6 698 428 +270 15 2 73
4 Bedford Blues 20 12 0 8 590 563 +27 13 4 65
5 Hartpury University 20 11 0 9 627 551 +76 11 4 59
6 Doncaster Knights 20 11 1 8 509 529 −20 9 2 57
7 Ampthill 20 10 0 10 573 607 −34 14 2 56
8 Nottingham 20 8 0 12 487 615 −128 13 2 47
9 London Scottish 20 4 1 15 510 614 −104 10 7 35
10 Caldy 20 5 1 14 415 675 −260 8 1 31
11 Cambridge 20 2 0 18 382 796 −414 7 5 20
Updated to match(es) played on 25 May 2024. Source: "The Championship". England Rugby.
Rules for classification: If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Difference between points for and against
  3. Total number of points for
  4. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  5. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled
There is no relegation this season
(C) Champions (ineligible for Promotion play-off)

Current squad[edit]

For player movements before or during the 2023–24 season, see List of 2023–24 RFU Championship transfers § Ealing Trailfinders.

The Ealing Trailfinders senior squad for the 2023–24 season is:[15]

Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.

Player Position Union
Matt Cornish Hooker England England
Kevin O'Byrne Hooker Ireland Ireland
Henry Walker Hooker England England
Mike Willemse Hooker South Africa South Africa
Biyi Alo Prop England England
George Davis Prop England England
Will Goodrick-Clarke Prop England England
Ross Kane Prop Ireland Ireland
Sami Mavinga Prop France France
Jimmy Roots Prop New Zealand New Zealand
Brad Thyer Prop Wales Wales
Kyle Whyte Prop South Africa South Africa
Danny Cutmore Lock England England
Andrew Davidson Lock Scotland Scotland
Bobby de Wee Lock South Africa South Africa
Simon Linsell Lock England England
Barney Maddison Lock England England
Rob Farrar Back row England England
Richard Hardwick Back row Namibia Namibia
Will Montgomery Back row England England
Ollie Newman Back row England England
David O'Connor Back row Ireland Ireland
Jordy Reid Back row Australia Australia
Rayn Smid Back row South Africa South Africa
Simon Uzokwe Back row England England
Player Position Union
Jordan Burns Scrum-half England England
Craig Hampson Scrum-half England England
Lloyd Williams Scrum-half Wales Wales
Dan Lancaster Fly-half England England
Steven Shingler Fly-half Wales Wales
Craig Willis Fly-half England England
Reuben Bird-Tulloch Centre England England
Max Bodilly Centre England England
Tom Hitchcock Centre England England
Pat Howard Centre South Africa South Africa
Dan O'Brien Centre Australia Australia
Billy Twelvetrees Centre England England
Tom Collins Wing England England
James Cordy-Redden Wing England England
Nathan Earle Wing England England
Jonah Holmes Wing Wales Wales
Angus Kernohan Wing Ireland Ireland
Luke Daniels Fullback South Africa South Africa
Cian Kelleher Fullback Ireland Ireland

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ According to Ealing Traifinders official website, the club played its first match in 1869 but the official date of establishment was set up in 1871.[1]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Club History". Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club. Retrieved 6 November 2013.
  2. ^ a b "Doncaster win the battle but Ealing are champions". The RugbyPaper. No. 817. 12 May 2024. p. 22-23.
  3. ^ www.respiceprospice.co.uk
  4. ^ www.respiceprospice.co.uk
  5. ^ History of the Club at official website
  6. ^ "Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club - West London".
  7. ^ "Ealing dispute RFU ruling on failure to meet Premiership stadium criteria". The Guardian. 12 June 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2021.
  8. ^ "Ealing Trailfinders Crowned Champions". www.championshiprugby.co.uk. Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  9. ^ "Update on Minimum Standards Criteria for Promotion". www.championshiprugby.co.uk. Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  10. ^ "Club Statement - RFU Minimum Standards Criteria". www.ealingtrailfinders.com. Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  11. ^ "news". www.ealingtrailfinders.com. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
  12. ^ "Ealing ineligible for Premiership promotion again". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
  13. ^ "Ealing Trailfinders 1871 – our new Team for 2019". Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club. 7 June 2019.
  14. ^ "Men's London & South East Level 8 and below leagues 2019–20" (PDF). England Rugby. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  15. ^ "Men's Squad". Ealing Trailfinders. 9 March 2024. Retrieved 9 March 2024.

External links[edit]

51°31′31″N 0°19′48″W / 51.5252°N 0.3300°W / 51.5252; -0.3300

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