Trailfinders make a double swoop
AMBITIOUS Ealing Trailfinders have made another double swoop as their relentless recruitment continues.
The Championship outfit have snapped up Guy Thompson from Leicester Tigers for the 2020/21 season, as well as Michael Van Vuuren from Northampton Saints.
Former Premiership star Thompson has been at Welford Road since the summer of 2018 and scored seven tries in 33 appearances for the Tigers.
His performances in his first season there earned him their Newcomer of the Season Award, showing his quality at the top level.
The 33-year-old has a wealth of experience to bring to Trailfinders Sports Club and began his rugby career in the Gloucester Academy, before spells at Richmond and Jersey Reds, giving him previous Championship game-time.
The big ball-carrier signed for
Wasps in 2013 and made 100 appearances in five seasons for them before moving to Welford Road.
Thompson is excited to be heading to west London.
He said: “After speaking to Ben [Ward, Ealing’s director of rugby] I was hugely impressed with the ambition of Ealing Trailfinders.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of the club and I am hoping to make a big contribution to the journey ahead. Having watched them play, I’m excited to be playing some expansive rugby.”
Ealing boss Ward is delighted to be welcoming Thompson to the club and said: “Guy’s rugby CV speaks for itself and this is a huge signing for us. He has been at the top level for nearly a decade and I’m sure he will bring plenty to us, both on and off the pitch, with his leadership.
“We have lost a few experienced players and he will bring that to the squad.
“The back row has been a very strong area for the past few seasons and we are sure it will continue to improve with Guy in the green and white shirt.”
South African hooker Van Vuuren has been at Franklin’s Gardens for the last year and adds yet more experience to the Ealing squad for the 2020/21 campaign.
The English-qualified frontrower has played across the globe at the highest level consistently.
He began in the Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup for Free State Cheetahs in his native country, before moving to France for an opportunity with Stade Francais in the Top 14.
He then moved to England in 2016 and has since played for Leicester Tigers, Bath Rugby and Northampton Saints in the Gallagher Premiership.
A former South Africa U20 international, Van Vuuren racked up 25 Premiership appearances for Leicester and Bath, and also played a part in London Irish’s promotion from the Championship during the 2018/19 season while on loan with the Exiles.
“I am really excited,” he said. “Ealing are a club with tremendous talent and exceptional coaches which I firmly believe will help in my development as a player.
“The club is determined to reach higher levels and I’m looking forward to being a part of the journey and contributing to future success of the club.”
Ward added: “Michael is a player that we have been looking at for a long time and we can’t wait to see him in the green and white.
“He is a powerful ball carrier with a very strong set-piece, and we believe hooker is an area of huge depth for us moving forward.”