Ealing Trailfinders wasted no time rebuilding for next year’s second tilt in three years at the Greene King IPA Championship.

Rounding off their title winning season in National One with a 31-8 away win over Loughborough Students on Saturday, the club also signed scrum-half Tom Bliss from Wasps.

The 22-year-old USA U20 international has joined up on a season-long loan and is the first of director of coaching Ben Ward’s signings of the summer.

“Tom has done very well at Wasps this season and previous to that at Loughborough,” Ward said. “He likes to play the game at high tempo and will suit the expansive way we want to play.

“He is a great athlete and will add competition and depth to our squad for next season."

Andy Reay (L) and Trailfinders coach Ben Ward with National One trophy

Andy ‘Razor’ Reay wears three Ealing hats next season.

Centre Reay is already on the playing staff having scoring six tries from 16 matches this campaign. He is also the defence coach and next season he will also take up a role as part of the strength and conditioning team.

“I’m delighted to be staying at Ealing,” he said. “I am excited about improving as a coach, and am very grateful for the opportunity to be part of the strength and conditioning team, something I have always been interested in."

Trailfinders notched a five-try win against Loughborough to ensured Ward’s side finished with 136 points from 27 victories and just three defeats.

There was a slight hold-up at the start after the match officials accidentally locked themselves in their changing room.

Touchdown: Arthur Ellis scores

But Sam Wardingley was out of the blocks to escape tackles and collect a tricky grubber kick and run in from close range.

Luke Daniels added a penalty, and captain Tom Brown touched down after the pack shunted their opposite numbers back from close range.

Karl Gibson showed nimble feet to dance over, and in the second half, Trailfinders took a now familiar route of a lineout win with Arthur Ellis driving over.

Steve Pape scored and identical try three minutes later, while Wheatcroft knocked both over to add the final gloss to a memorable season for the side from Vallis Way.

scorers:

Loughborough Students

Tries (Rogerson 17), Penalties (James 15)

Ealing Trailfinders

Tries (Wardingley 6, Brown 27, Gibson 34, Ellis 72, Pape 75), Conversions (Love 35, Wheatcroft 73, 76)