Ealing Trailfinders have signed so many players since the end of a championship-winning season they could put out a full team and keep a rugby league side on the touchline for later.
The Vallis Way club is determined to avoid the misery of relegation last time around in the IPA Greene King Championship, English rugby’s second tier, having bounced back at the first attempt last season (see gallery below).
Ben Ward set his stall out almost before the posts were packed away with a cluster of signings, and the trail in and out of the head coach’s office has continued unabated.
There were 15 new or re-signed players two weeks ago, and now with the latest batch, the total has reached an incredible 28.
Callum Wilson is the latest new face to join, and this time from the England Sevens set-up.
Wing Wilson links up with second row Harrison from Australian side West Harbour. Chris York and Danny Barnes have moved south from Premiership side Newcastle Falcons.
Closer to home, Ward has captured Tristan Roberts, Alex Davies and Rhys Crane from London Welsh. England Students prop Sam Rodman, while last season’s National One title winners, Luke Daniels, Chris Kinloch and Sam Wardingley have all re-committed to Trailfinders latest tilt at second-tier consolidation.
Finally, centre Toby Howley-Berridge arrives from Plymouth Albion, while while hooker Rhys Lawrence joins from Bristol, Ward’s previous side.
