Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club (ETRFC) has announced six new additions to the squad, as the National One champions prepare for life in the Championship.

ETRFC has signed Thomas Anderson from Connacht, Tom Bedford from Cornish Pirates, Stuart Commins from London Wasps, Billy Robinson from Moseley, Ryan Storer from Cornish Pirates and Sam Wilkes from Moseley.

Thomas Anderson, who is a back row and can play either 8 or 6, has played for both Connacht and Ulster and has Heineken Cup experience behind him. Thomas commented on his move to ETRFC: “I am delighted to be joining such a successful club as Ealing Trailfinders. Their achievements in previous years are a real testament to them and I hope I can be part of their accomplishments in the future.  It's refreshing to see a club that plays such a great style of rugby.  I am energised to start pre-season and honoured to be part of the club in their first year in the Championship.”

Tom Bedford, who has signed from the Cornish Pirates is a centre but can also play on the wing. The Championship is not unfamiliar territory for Tom, who was part of the Exeter team to gain promotion to the Premiership as well as playing for Newcastle at the top level. Tom Bedford said: “Having played against Ealing Trailfinders some years ago and watching them progress up the leagues I am excited to be part of their future.  I'm thrilled to be part of the challenge that the championship will bring and I can't wait to get stuck in.  When visiting the club I was very impressed with the facilities and the professionalism.”

ETRFC have also added experience to the team in the shape of Stuart Commins from London Wasps. Stuart spent two years at Northampton Saints, where he was part of the squad that battled to a Heineken Cup final place against Leinster. Stuart Commins stated: “I am very excited about joining an ambitious club like Ealing Trailfinders . Having met with Mike and Ben, I can sense their drive to perform in the Championship, and that’s something I want to be a part of.  I look forward to learning from the already talented crop of players and hopefully can contribute from the experience I've gained in the Premiership.”

Billy Robinson, signed from Moseley, will have no problems settling into ETRFC as he was part of the Cambridge team that played the same style of expansive rugby as the National One champions. Billy commented after leaving Moseley stating:  “I have been looking to move to London now for a number of years for personal reasons and when I got an offer from Ealing Trailfinders it was very interesting.  They are an up-and-coming club and I wanted the new challenge.”

Also joining ETRFC from Moseley is Hooker, Sam Wilkes.  Sam said: “I am very excited to be joining the Club with such a well-developed coaching set-up and I’m looking forward to improving my performance on and off the field still further.  It will be great to work with the playing squad that has been carefully assembled and be part of a Championship side respected by any opposition team.” 

The future looks promising for ETRFC, who will be hoping their expansive style of rugby causes problems for teams in the Championship next season. Mike Cudmore director of rugby at ETRFC said: “You will see from all the signings we have managed to recruit not only quality, experienced players but, more importantly, players that will suit our style of play and philosophy.”