Ealing Trailfinders & Brunel University Rugby Sports Scholarship Programme

EALING TRAILFINDERS & BRUNEL UNIVERSITY RUGBY SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

“WE WANT PLAYERS TO COME THROUGH THIS SYSTEM, LEAVE UNIVERSITY WITH A DEGREE AND A PROFESSIONAL RUGBY CONTRACT AT EALING TRAILFINDERS." - ‘Director of Rugby, Ben Ward’

VISIT: WWW.EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM OR EMAIL: [email protected] INTRODUCTION FROM BEN WARD Director of Rugby, Ealing Trailfinders

The coaching and backroom team that we have put in place are of the highest calibre and with international experience behind them, they will provide the players with the platform to succeed. In order to ensure consistency the majority of the management for the Scholarship Programme also work at Ealing Trailfinders with the first team, allowing a seamless crossover. The coaching team includes the likes of former Italy international Francesco Minto and Melbourne Rebels’ Jordy Reid so there is a vast amount of experience on offer. The backroom team includes Analysts, Strength and Conditioning Coaches, Physiotherapists, Nutritionists to make sure that no stone is left unturned as we look to become the best rugby programme in the country. I am extremely proud to introduce you to our Scholarship At Ealing Trailfinders we have two 4G pitches, two grass pitches, Programme with Brunel University London as part of the two gyms, an analysis suite, a team relaxation room, private chefs Trailfinders Rugby Academy. and a medical area which have all been key components towards the success of the programme in the opening stages. Since turning professional five years ago, Ealing Trailfinders have continued to grow year-on-year and currently sit as the Brunel University London boast world class facilities, their rugby 14th best team in the country. Our academy is a vital part of resources meant that France used the campus as a base for the our organisation and we have not taken the usual route that 2015 Rugby World Cup in England. The international standard pitch other teams have, we believe we have created something as well as the Indoor Athletics Centre and Fitness Complex mean special for both the player and the club. that the players have everything they need to succeed on the pitch. Brunel have previously been a powerhouse in University Rugby and Our academy is in conjunction with Brunel University London, we are looking to repeat their previous achievements as they push allowing players to gain a degree to set them up for the rest towards the BUCS Super League. of their lives academically, as well as pursuing a professional rugby career with a full time rugby programme. In the same way as professionals, we also understand that students need assistance on and off the pitch. We are proud of our pastoral It is important to focus on education as well as rugby and that support and that is why we see this as an opportunity that is above is why we believe this partnership will become so and beyond any other university rugby programmes. We have a successful. Brunel host over 13,000 students whilst offering team of physiotherapists, nutritionists, psychologists and a hundreds of courses so there are a huge range of options to Chaplain who are available to the students. combine with the rugby programme. We would encourage any player to get in touch and see what we Players have the opportunity to train with the first team at can offer. In this brochure you will find all of the information about Ealing Trailfinders, meaning that they are immediately the Trailfinders Rugby Academy, which we believe will become the exposed to international standard players to help their best in the country. development. These sessions are tailored around their university timetable to ensure the right balance. Two 18-year-old scholars have already made their debuts for the first team during our pre-season fixtures, showing their progress in the opening three months. We want players to Ben Ward [email protected] come through this system and leave university with a degree Director of Rugby, Ealing Trailfinders 07852142495 and a professional rugby contract at Ealing Trailfinders. TY STERRY: ACADEMY MANAGER with the preparations for the 2015 World Cup. Academy members have already had a taste of what a place in the first team is like, during the pre-season friendly against Bishop’s Stortford, 18-year-olds Harry Dugmore and Charlie Dearman featured in front of the home supporters. During the Rugby World Cup in Japan a number of former Trailfinders have shown the platform that is provided by going on to play on the biggest stage in rugby. Ben Landry, Shane O’Leary, Will Magie, Djustice Sears-Duru and Kyle Sinckler all played at Trailfinders Sports Club before representing their national teams. The fact that we offer this is something we are very proud of. A lot of importance is placed on the education programme and we expect it to be well balanced between rugby and studying. Sport and education is a great mix and gives them a fantastic experience during their time here. Whilst our link with Brunel is extremely exciting, it is not only the partnership with the University which makes our Academy so comprehensive. This is an incredible opportunity for me to lead the Academy during such an exciting The Elite Player Pathway gives players the opportunity to join between the ages of time for the club. We want to create a talent 15 to 18 years old with a view to them joining our Brunel programme after for their line to compete with the best in the country, university studies. We use this environment to give them the best access to the and it is already showing signs of enormous academy and they can learn by playing regularly. encouragement. After that, the Senior Academy Players are full first team squad members who are My personal journey has allowed me to be making the transition to professional rugby. These are typically players who have involved in rugby for a while, and my first finished university and will use the next year to become regulars at the top level. experience of it was coaching in Italy with Parma. I moved there in 2000 and coached The below graphic will demonstrate how we see the pathway of our academy, there for two years before spending the next which will give them the best platform to succeed. six years travelling around the country with Italy Rugby. I then went to work for the SRU on their development programme which was great and from there an opportunity came up with England Rugby. I managed Middlesex as a Development Officer and was involved a lot [email protected]

ET/ BRUNEL ET ET ELITE PLAYER UNIVERSITY SENIOR FIRST PATHWAY PROGRAMME ACADEMY TEAM EALING TRAILFINDERS - WHO WE ARE Since being taken over by Mike Gooley in 1999 Ealing Trailfinders have gone on to play on the biggest stage in rugby. Ben been on a remarkable journey, rising from National Three South to the Landry, Shane O’Leary, Will Magie and Djustice top of the Greene King IPA Championship. Sears-Duru and Kyle Sinckler all show the platform that is provided. Ealing Trailfinders are currently the 14th best rugby team in England, and have set their sights on becoming a Premiership club in the near With an outstanding rugby facility which offers future. Promotion to the second tier was achieved in 2015, and since everything and full time staff to assist, this is the then the progression has been significant year-on-year. most appealing place to recognise your potential in professional rugby. For the last two seasons they have reached their highest league position of second in the Greene King IPA Championship, and in those The club offers a comprehensive full time rugby years the club have lifted major silverware including the British and programme which is run by over 20 full-time Irish Cup and the Championship Cup in momentous occasions at staff, ranging from rugby coaches to Trailfinders Sports Club. psychologists and chefs. The extensive coaching on offer includes expert throwing, kicking and Academy members have already had a taste of what a place in the scrum coaches as well as the backs, forwards first team is like, during the pre-season friendly against Bishop’s and skills coaches who oversee the day-to-day Stortford both Harry Dugmore and Charlie Dearman featured in front rugby activity. of the home supporters. Find out more about the club on the website, The World Cup features a number of former Trailfinders who have www.ealingtrailfinders.com EALING TRAILFINDERS - WHO WE ARE

Ealing Trailinders Attack Coach Richard Wigglesworth Wales International Will Harries attacks in the Championship (Saracens and England Scrum Half) in action on the Cup Final, which was won 23-17 against London Irish. training pitch.

Peter Lydon celebrates his winning try against Jersey Reds in the Greene King IPA Championship. BRUNEL UNIVERSITY Brunel University London is an international university Brunel have previously been a powerhouse in university committed to bringing benefit to society through excellence rugby, winning two British championships with the aim of in education, research and knowledge transfer. repeating those achievements during the partnership with Ealing Trailfinders. Founded in 1966, Brunel has a reputation for high-impact academic research and entrepreneurial flair. The university It has over 2,240 sports members across 56 different sports works extensively with industry partners, contributing to whilst being ranked in the top third of universities worldwide. global innovation and policy change. Situated in Uxbridge, the university has a broad portfolio of undergraduate and STUDENTS - 13,000 STAFF - 2600 postgraduate programmes that attract 13,000 full-time 45 SPORTS CLUBS - Ranging from Archery to Weightlifting students and 2,600 staff from more than 100 countries across the world. FAMOUS ALUMNI: A civic university, Brunel uses innovation and Richard Hill MBE - World Cup Winner with England Rugby, and entrepreneurialism to drive the local economy, and to build Current England Team Manager important strategic partnerships with local organisations to Tom Shanklin - Former Wales Rugby Player, their most capped bring benefit to and increase its impact in the local centre of all time community. Tony Adams - Former Arsenal FC Captain James Cracknell OBE - Double Olympic Gold Medallist in Rowing BRUNEL WAS 'TOP RATED’ FOR ITS SPORTS SCENE (IN THE 2018 WHICH? STUDENT SURVEY)

TOP THIRD RD OF UNIVERSITIES 3 BEST WORLDWIDE CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION IN LONDON (THE 2017) (QS WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS 2019) PAID DIFFERENT OUT 13 SPORTS 54KIN SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS COVERED BY SCHOLARSHIPS BUCS OVER 150 25 MEDALS CLUBS AND SOCIETIES WON BY SPORTS SCHOLARS IN 2018 TO JOIN ONE OF THE OF STUDENTS COUNTRY’S TOP 25 95% IN WORK UNIVERSITIES FOR GRADUATE FURTHER STUDY OR A COMBINATION OF BOTH SIX MONTHS AFTER GRADUATION STARTING SALARIES (ACCORDING TO THE SUNDAY TIMES GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE)

AMONG THE TOP 10 UK UNIVERSITIES FOR BOOSTING GRADUATE SALARIES (ACCORDING TO THE ECONOMIST) THE PARTNERSHIP - WHAT CAN WE OFFER? - CASH BURSARY - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION AND TUITION FEES - INCORPORATION INTO ONE OF THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE RUGBY PROGRAMMES IN THE COUNTRY BASED IN LONDON

- OPPORTUNITY TO BE PART OF EALING TRAILFINDERS PATHWAY FROM ACADEMY THROUGH TO FIRST TEAM CHANCE TO TRAIN FULL TIME WITH EALING TRAILFINDERS ACADEMY AND FIRST TEAM SQUADS - INVITATION TO ATTEND FULL PRE-SEASON TRAINING WITH EALING TRAILFINDERS - WEEKLY ELITE LEVEL COACHING FROM EALING TRAILFINDERS TEAM OF PROFESSIONAL COACHES - BESPOKE STRENGTH & CONDITIONING PROGRAMME SET BY EALING TRAILFINDERS S&C COACHES - FREE MEDICAL SUPPORT FROM BRUNEL’S AND EALING TRAILFINDERS' MEDICAL TEAMS INCLUDING FREE WEEKLY MASSAGE

- FREE ENTRY TO EALING TRAILFINDERS GAMES - UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION NEXT TO BRUNEL SPORTS FACILITIES WITH OTHER SPORT SCHOLARS (BISHOPS COMPLEX) - FREE BRUNEL SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP TRAINING KIT - FREE ACCESS TO BRUNEL’S SPORTS FACILITIES INCLUDING THE INDOOR ATHLETICS CENTRE AND STRENGTH & CONDITIONING GYM - FREE ACCESS TO BRUNEL’S LANCASTER HOTEL SPA FACILITIES ON CAMPUS WHICH INCLUDE ICE POOL, JACUZZI, SAUNA AND STEAM ROOM - FREE SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY SUPPORT

Academy Scholar and Scotland Under 20 international Reuben Norville training with the first team. THE PARTNERSHIP - WHAT CAN WE OFFER? - CASH BURSARY - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION AND TUITION FEES - INCORPORATION INTO ONE OF THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE RUGBY PROGRAMMES IN THE COUNTRY BASED IN LONDON

Harry Dugmore (Whitgift School And England Under 18s) in Pre Season action for the first team.

The Partnership gives the players the most rounded Support comes from coaches but also from the extensive environment in order to succeed at the top level. backroom staff at Ealing Trailfinders. As well as the guidance needed for their rugby, there is plenty of off-field Ealing Trailfinders have a number of partner clubs across assistance. The full time medical staff ensure that players a range of divisions to give members of the academy are in the best condition possible for training and matches, game time week in week out. and they work alongside the nutritionists to help them prepare by assisting with dietary needs. As well as the exposure to National League Rugby, the academy players are also invited to train with the first Psychologists are also available, as well as the club team at Ealing Trailfinders. This is not only during the week Chaplain who can be contacted whenever needed. in the build up to matches, but also other opportunities against first class opposition.

During the pre-season period, academy players joined the first team for sessions against England in the lead up to the Rugby World Cup. The whole squad went to Pennyhill Park to take on the national side and that was followed by another training session, this time against the European Champions. A number of the academy took to the field for a demanding period against Saracens, showing them what is needed to be at the top level of the club game. THE RUGBY PROGRAMME

Matt Dalrymple (Shiplake College) during a skills session.

Academy Manager Ty Sterry alongside Scholars Harry Dugmore and Charlie Dearman after making their first team debut. THE RUGBY PROGRAMME

Oisin Kearney (Millfield School) during a gym session.

Physiotherapist Jacob Mitchell treats Scholar Ricky Drewitt.

Players are encouraged to review their games in the analysis suite. THE RUGBY PROGRAMME “WATCHING A GAME WITH THREE EX INTERNATIONALS IS SOMETHING THAT YOU DON’T EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE 18 YEARS OLD BUT IT WAS AMAZING TO BE THERE.

TO SEE IT UNFOLD AND ALL OF THE ANALYSIS THAT THEY DO WAS REALLY INSIGHTFUL, AND BEING ABLE TO CHAT WITH SUCH LEGENDS OF THE GAME WAS ONE OF THE BEST MOMENTS OF MY LIFE.”

During The Rugby Championship, Charlie Dearman and Sione Funaki were invited to Sky Sports for a behind the scenes tour of the facilities for the New Zealand v Australia match.

The Academy duo saw the game alongside three World Cup Winners as the action unfolded in the studio. Sean Fitzpatrick, Michael Lynagh and Will Greenwood were there on punditry duty before spending time chatting to the Scholars.

Dearman, who has featured on loan at Maidenhead Rugby Club who are coached by Greenwood himself, said the day was an unforgettable experience.

Scholars working alongside first team mentors. EALING TRAILFINDERS FACILITIES Trailfinders Sports Club is one of West London’s premier Conveniently located in West Ealing with easy access from sports venues, set in 20 acres of landscaped gardens it is the M40 and M4, Trailfinders Sports Club is fast becoming the home to Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club as well as London main sporting hub of the local community. Broncos Rugby League who play in the Super League. Trailfinders Sports Club hosts numerous matches which are On site there are two all-weather 3G rugby pitches as well broadcast live on Sky Sports, and also hosts the England as grass pitches, a cricket ground and pavilion, floodlit Rugby Coaches who use the facility to prepare for tennis courts, 5/7-a-side football/hockey pitch and Strength internationals. and Conditioning facilities which means it is a fantastic base to excel in rugby.

TRAILFINDERS SPORTS CLUB, HOME OF EALING TRAILFINDERS IS A 5,000 SEATER STADIUM WITH A 4G PITCH. SPORTS FACILITIES INCLUDE:

- TWO FULL SIZE ALL WEATHER RUGBY PITCHES AND GRANDSTAND, FLOODLIT - 3G ALL WEATHER 5/7- A-SIDE FOOTBALL/TRAINING PITCH, FLOODLIT - MINIS RUGBY PITCH - ELITE STANDARD S&C FACILITIES - TWO GRASS RUGBY PITCHES - MEDICAL AREAS - ANALYSIS SUITE BRUNEL FACILITIES

The state-of-the-art sports facilities rank among the best university facilities in the UK and are used by some of the world's top athletes, including Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake.

Completed in 2005, the multi-million pound Indoor Athletics Centre is the centrepiece of the performance sport facilities. As one of the best indoor training facilities in the country the IAC is a UK Athletics Regional Performance Centre and is the chosen training venue for many of the country's finest athletes.

In the Sports Park you'll find a 400-metre athletics track with tennis and netball courts, pitches for football, rugby and hockey and an FA-registered 3G pitch.

The Sports Park is serviced by a Sports Pavilion, which went under a £1.2million refurbishment programme in 2013 and boasts numerous team changing rooms with integrated showers, unisex toilets and catering services. OPEN DAYS

WHY ATTEND THE OPEN DAY? 2019: Meet students and staff for more information about the SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER 2019 course 2020: Take a campus tour with current students to find out all SATURDAY 4 JULY 2020 about life at Brunel SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2020 SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER 2020 Come and see for yourself why Brunel is ranked among the UK’s top 50 universities (The Complete University Guide APPLICANT DAYS: 2018). These are days where students can trial courses/programmes as well as sample EMAIL [email protected] TO coaching sessions at Ealing Trailfinders. CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE! We also will have a presence at Brunel on the following dates: FURTHER DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED VIA OUR SATURDAY 25 JANUARY, 2020 WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS. SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2020 SATURDAY 28 MARCH 2020 IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN A PRIVATE TOUR, FRIDAY 17 APRIL 2020 PLEASE EMAIL [email protected] ELITE PLAYER PATHWAY Aged from 15 to 18, players are selected for the Elite Player focus is on Skills and decision making on the pitch, Pathway based on their talent on the field and attitude off it. combined with tailored Strength and Conditioning off the pitch. Whilst coinciding this programme with A Level Studies, at Under 16 level they train once a week on Monday evenings. The Under 18s train twice a week as they continue their This particular pathway is based around long term journey towards professional rugby on a more regular individual development within a team environment. The basis.

This programme is all based at Trailfinders Sports Club which is used daily by the first team.

We understand that some players will be travelling from further afield or have extensive school commitments. We welcome all to apply for the programme and we are able to create a bespoke timetable to suit the needs of the individual. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO APPLY PLEASE EMAIL [email protected]. COACHING STAFF With most of the coaches and back-room staff coming from the first team at Trailfinders Sports Club, it is a high-profile group to ensure the highest quality delivery to future first team players.

Head Coach PADDY GILL brings plenty of experience from Women’s Assistant Coach JORDY REID spent five years at the National Leagues having been involved with the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby including an appearance Trailfinders during their National One winning campaign. against the British and Irish Lions in 2013. Last year he coached Chinnor and has also been involved in University Rugby before, leading St Mary’s in the BUCS Head of Rugby GARETH RISE leads the Programme. Forwards Coach STEVE NEVILLE combines his role with his League. current position as Scrum and Breakdown Coach with the first team at Ealing Trailfinders.

Assistant Coach FRANCESCO MINTO earned 39 caps for Skills and Defence Coach ANDY HOLLOWAY has previously Women’s Head Coach HANNAH WEST plays for Wasps and Senior Ealing Trailfinders Analyst RICHARD GREEN will Italy during his career as well as over 100 appearances for worked with the likes of Blackheath and Cambridge represented England at Under 20 level. lead the Performance Analysis Department with Benetton after recently retiring. University, and he currently coaches the first team at Ealing TOM CUMMINS as Academy Analyst. JACOB MITCHELL Trailfinders on a weekly basis. will be Head Physiotherapist, with SAM RISBRIDGER as Head of Strength and Conditioning. All of the back-room staff are part of the Ealing Trailfinders coaching staff, giving consistency throughout the group. COACHING STAFF

Being able to take your love for rugby and combine it with your studies gives students the chance to progress as an elite level athlete alongside gaining an education that can set them up for life after full-time sport.

What Ben Ward has created for aspiring athletes is the best of both worlds; A degree in a field of your choice, plus the cutting edge of coaching and mentoring professional sport has to offer. That is something you will not find easily in other educational establishments or professional sports teams.”

ROSS DONEGHAN, HEAD OF RUGBY, THE LATYMER SCHOOL

“It is brilliant to have a partnership with the trailfinders rugby academy. Its gives us a great chance to support the development of these talented players as they set out on their senior playing careers. Being able to advise, mentor and see these young lads develop is a real buzz!

Its clear to see what a strong programme it is and how brunel university is establishing a fantastic rugby environment to let these lads flourish! I'm really pleased our club is playing a part as one of the academy partners.”

WILL GREENWOOD, 2003 RUGBY WORLD CUP WINNER WITH ENGLAND

“The Trailfinders Rugby Academy has amazing facilities and as a school we use them regularly. With the addition of the Brunel University programme this lifts the Academy to an elite level. It is a pleasure for us to have Ealing Trailfinders present the Academy programme to our students as an option for the future.”

JAMES COLES - DIRECTOR OF RUGBY, ST BENEDICTS SCHOOL, EALING TESTIMONIALS "The opportunity to train alongside the first team and get expert coaching from great coaches is an amazing experience. It has given me an insight into the hard work and commitment it takes to be a professional rugby player and I'm excited to further my skills on the field and in the classroom.”

DAN HISCOCKS, TRAILFINDERS RUGBY ACADEMY SCHOLAR AND FORMER WALES UNDER 18 INTERNATIONAL

"I am very happy to support the initiative that Ealing Trailfinders and Brunel University have forged which allows promising young players to maintain a high level of Rugby whilst continuing their academic education at a top university."

ALED TRENHAILE - HEAD OF RUGBY, KIRKHAM GRAMMAR SCHOOL

"The academy has been a fantastic opportunity for me to develop my rugby alongside studies. Training day in day out in a professional environment has taught me the standards required to reach the top level of the sport.”

EWAN FENLEY, TRAILFINDERS RUGBY ACADEMY SCHOLAR

"Ealing Trailfinders' new partnership with Brunel University is an outstanding world class pathway for a young rugby player wishing to combine their higher education with a professional rugby career. The high quality support and provision is impressive and unrivalled in the UK market right now."

MATTHEW GOLD ABINGDON SCHOOL AND NIGERIA 7S LOCATION & CONTACT EALING TRAILFINDERS RUGBY CLUB AND BRUNEL UNIVERSITY ARE LOCATED WITHIN 10 MILES OF EACH OTHER AND ARE BOTH IN THE HEART OF WEST LONDON, MEANING THERE WILL BE EASY ACCESS BETWEEN BOTH ORGANISATIONS FOR THE STUDENTS.

EALING TRAILFINDERS RUGBY CLUB BRUNEL UNIVERSITY LONDON LOCATION & CONTACT WWW.EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM WWW.BRUNEL.AC.UK

EALINGTRAILFINDERS BRUNELUNIVERSITY EALINGTRAILFINDERS BRUNELUNI EALINGTFRUGBY BRUNELUNI

TRAILFINDERS SPORTS CLUB, BRUNEL UNIVERSITY LONDON, CASTLE BAR, KINGSTON LANE, VALLIS WAY, UXBRIDGE, WEST EALING, MIDDLESEX, LONDON W13 0DD UB8 3PH

OPEN DAYS SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER 2019 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. PLEASE EMAIL SATURDAY 4TH JULY 2020 [email protected] TO BOOK SATURDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 2020 SATURDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2020

EMAIL DIRECTOR OF RUGBY BEN WARD ON [email protected] OR [email protected] TO ENQUIRE ABOUT THE PROGRAMME “WE WANT PLAYERS TO COME THROUGH THIS SYSTEM, LEAVE UNIVERSITY WITH A DEGREE AND A PROFESSIONAL RUGBY CONTRACT AT EALING TRAILFINDERS." - ‘Director of Rugby, Ben Ward’

VISIT: WWW.EALINGTRAILFINDERS.COM OR EMAIL: [email protected]