Ealing Trailfinders 1871 Podcast

Livai Naga has made a strong impression since joining Ealing Trailfinders 1871, scoring three tries in his first two appearances.

We grab the big back-rower to talk about his Fijian roots, his upbringing in Northern Ireland, and his instrument of choice.

Livai helps us look back over another good weekend for the club, and ahead to the next challenge in Regional 2 Thames.

#BleedGreen

Saturday 24 October

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 1st XV v Harpenden (H) 15.00

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV v Harrow (A) 15.00

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd...

Luke Parry joins us to talk all things Regional Thames 2, after the first XV began with two wins and a defeat. The latest win came under the lights of Vallis Way, and was a memorable performance for all who were there.

The hooker looks back on the first few weeks at level six, how the team has adapted, and how his recovery from injury has gone.

We also look ahead to the first club weekend of the season, with all three teams at home, and a pre-match meal to fuel our passionate fans...

Ealing Trailfinders' first and second XVs made a winning start to the 2026-27 season, with wins on the road against Teddington Stags and Hendon.

We catch up with club captain Toby Holt, who brings us up to speed on all the action.

We discuss discipline, drop goals, pre-match pitch clearances, and what the best type of victory is.

#BleedGreen

Saturday 3 October

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 1st XV v Aylesbury (A) 15.00

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV v Kilburn Cosmos (A) 15.00

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV v...

It is a big season ahead with the first XV about to run out at level six - Regional Two Thames - for the first time, and the second XV ready to start life in Counties Middlesex 2, so we catch up with head coach Phil 'Smudger' Smith to find out what's happened since we last chatted.

Smudger brings us up to date on pre-season matches, new arrivals, bronco tests and what the rise to level six means to the club.

He also tells what Friday evening before the big kickoff will feel like. <...

The season is over, the kit has been packed away, the balls deflated, and bodies given the chance for a rest...so here we are looking back on a remarkable season for all three men's 1871 teams.

We catch up with head coach Phil 'Smudger' Smith, club captain Toby Holt and first XV skipper Lewis Steadman to reflect on the past campaign.

There are lots of highlights to look back on with pride, promotions, cup finals, new faces and some spectacular rugby.

For now, we'll all take a break until it...

For club servant Danny Ford, a trophy has been a long time coming. A veteran of two final defeats and three semi-final losses, he finally got his mitts on some silverware when he led the thirds to victory in the MMT Vase by beating Old Actionians 26-24 thanks to some last-minute heroics.

Danny tells us all about the match, who did what and when, and who came up with the big moments.

We also discuss the second team's progression to the NW Middlesex Cup final, and look forward to a day of celebration...

Spring has sprung, the clocks have changed, the evenings are lengthening, and Easter will soon be here. With this natural break, we hear from head coach Phil 'Smudger' Smith, who brings us up to date with the activities of the three teams and an exciting challenge on Good Friday.

We find out how plans are going for next season, our first in level six, and who we can see coming in to help us adjust to the next level up.

Phil also reveals what his Easter egg of choice is.

...

It has been a huge week for Ealing 1871. On Friday, under the Vallis Way lights, the first XV secured promotion to Regional 2 Thames after a 48-5 win over Hampstead gave the team the Counties 1 Middlesex title.

To look back on that momentous night and the club's rise up the leagues, we bring in the man at the top, the man who lifted the trophy in quite an excitable fashion, Lewis Steadman.

He tells us all about the match, what it means, who to thank, what the plan is now, and how important it...

Long-time friend of the podcast, Pat Nash, joins us to talk through how a concussion has ruled him out for the rest of the season.

He tells us what caused his concussion, how quickly the club's staff took care of him, where he is on the return to play protocol, and how concussion recovery has changed since he started playing.

We also look ahead to a huge match for Ealing 1871 1st, the club dinner, tour, golf day and plenty of other things to sign up for.

#BleedGreen

...

Toby Holt and Jacob Pepper join us for a catch-up after the weekend's club day, a day with all three teams in action.

Toby fills us in on each team's progress, which includes promotion, cup runs, and title races, while Jacob brings us up to date on how the 1871 Women's team got on in their latest match.

We also hear about plans for the end-of-season dinner, and why Friday 15 May should be inked in your diary now.

#BleedGreen

Saturday 14 March

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV v...

It has been too long between visits, so this Wednesday we headed to Vallis Way on a Wednesday night to catch up with the Ealing 1871 Women's team.

The side has been growing exponentially, is running two teams, has welcomed players who thought their playing days were over, and those who wanted to try the sport for the first time.

We find out all about their progress from club stalwart Eden Comins. We also meet one of their coaches from the professional ranks, Rachel Malcolm, Scotland's most capped captain, to find out how she...

It is club day this Saturday, and we chat to two of the players aiming to show their wares to Ealing 1871's fans - Jack Feeney and Will Day.

Jack joins us fresh from helping the seconds earn promotion to Middlesex Premier with a 62-5 victory over Old Streetonians. He also tells us about life in New Zealand, and how spending three years there helped his game immensely.

Then, Will Day joins us to look forward to the first XV's upcoming match against local rivals Wasps, and what it means to their season.<...

KavanFitzpatrick, a long-time member of the Ealing Trailfinders 1871 squad, second team vice-captain, and now a promotion chaser.

The second XV are on the verge of winning promotion to Middlesex Premier, but need to overcome Old Streetonians at home to do so.

The sides meet in a Friday Night's Light clash at Vallis Way with promotion as the prize.

Kav tells us all about the season so far, the players to look out for, and why he wasn't playing last weekend.

#BleedGreen

Friday 27 February

Welcome back to the Ealing 1871 podcast. It was a quiet couple of weeks, but we return with another new face to the club, Cillian Corkery, who made his debut earlier this year against Finchley.

We find out about this Wexford lad, who is settling into life in west London and bringing the skills he honed at the renowned Limerick side, Shannon RFC.

We also look back on what's happened at the club over the past few weeks, what it was like to train with two figures from the professional side, and wonder if...

We headed to Vallis Way on a Saturday for a day where all three teams were in action, and while that didn't pan out as expected, with only the second team's match going ahead, it was still a memorable day for 1871.

We hear from third team captain Danny Ford on what they got up to, and grab head coach Phil 'Smudger' Smith for a few words on how he enjoyed the day, his lunch, and what is coming up this weekend.

Now he's a wise old head, Danny is guiding a team made...

Josh Steadman is our twinkle-toed outside back, who is a danger no matter where he is on the pitch. He is also as elusive off the pitch, so with a mixture of charm and determination, we've got him on the pod.

We look back on the weekend's victory over Finchley, which pushed the first XV into top spot, and reflect on the growing depth at the club and its effect on our teams' results.

There is also the chance to look forward to this weekend's action, with all three teams in action at...

Harrison Slater is first up in 2026, and he tells us all about his Christmas and New Year break, resisting the temptations on hand, and hitting the ground running with plenty of challenges ahead.

This season, he has taken on the captaincy of the second team, and they are going great guns under his leadership. Fifteen points clear at the top of Middlesex Merit Table 1, can they keep that form going in 2026?

#BleedGreen

Saturday 10 January

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 1st XV v Finchley (H) - 15.00

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV...

It is the time of year we take a breather, take stock and celebrate the festivities. Christmas and New Year mean no rugby for the next few weeks, and a chance for the lads to show their discipline by not overdoing the food and drink. 

To round up a fantastic 2025, we catch up with head coach Phil 'Smudger' Smith to look back on a year which ended with all four 1871 teams winning before heading off for the Twelve Pubs of Ealing.

We talk players, matches, what he wants in his stocking (Ealing Trailfinders 1871 p...

Aidan Jones is slowly making his way back to full fitness, but at the same time, he's learning a new role, having been shoved out of the second row engine room, into the back row.

He is someone who can't stay away from the club after his rugby-playing father dragged him down when he was about 11. While he disappeared down the M4 to Bristol for university, he soon made it his destination of choice on a Saturday once he graduated.

We catch up as Aidan tells us all about the recent success on...

Liam Mulvihill may not have been the first person in his household to attend training at Vallis Way, but he is certainly glad that he followed his girlfriend, who had signed up with Ealing 1871 Women's 'Learn to Play' course and told him to get his boots back on.

After a year out of the game, he came down to training and hasn't looked back since. The Dubliner quickly found his stride, and he is now a firm fixture in the second team, with a cameo or two in the first team as well.

...

Sometimes you have to scratch beneath the surface, and you'll find gold, and that is what happened in this week's episode with third team stalwart Callum Neal.

We cover a range of topics, from what representing Ealing Trailfinders 1871 means to him, to growing up across La Manche, to handling pieces of rock and roll history, to finding a new flatmate on the field of play, to captaining the side under the Friday night lights.

What brought him to the club, and what keeps him here. Find out in this enthralling episode.

Marquis Daly-Vidal is a young man who is making his mark with Ealing Trailfinders 1871, and it has taken his game to new heights.

He recently made his Jamaica under-23 debut from the bench against Gibraltar, an experience he loved, especially after helping set up a try.

Marquis tells us all about the experience, when he's next in action for Jamaica, and the possibility of matches in warmer climes.

#BleedGreen

Friday 14 November

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rd XV v UCS (H) 19.45

Hosted...

Gerint Price is back on the field and loving life, but we're talking to him about his work off it, specifically in the realm of mental health.

G is one of Ealing 1871's looseheadz, an ambassador for the charity Looseheadz, who train people to be the mental health lead at every club.

He talks through how he became involved, what the role entails, how he's smiling now that he's over his rib injury, and what his quiz specialist subject is.

#BleedGreen

CLUB QUIZ - Trailfinders Sports Club...

It has taken a while, but finally Dave Vater has reached his half-century, and he's holding his bat in the air and saluting the crowd.

Chiswick RFC was the venue for such a major achievement, and he marked it in style, with a true second-row try.

We find out where it all started, why he joined Ealing 1871, and how he hopes his next 50 appearances don't take as long to arrive.

#BleedGreen

Saturday 1 November

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nds v London Japanese (A) 14.00

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 3rds...

It is a sad day at Ealing Trailfinders 1871 as we say a 'see you later' to a long-time servant of the club, Alex Kritikos, who will soon be moving to Portugal.

Alex has been at the club as a man and boy, and while opposition flyhalves can rest easy that their ribs may stay intact a little longer, we'll miss him.

But, didn't he sign off in style, with a hat-trick of tries in the win over London Cornish? We talk about the match, the farewell drinks that followed, and what life will...

George Emerson, one of the new boys, who juggles his degree with running out every weekend.

It has been a case of so far, so good for the former Leicester Tigers academy player, who has shown his class in the number 12 jersey.

He tells us why it's second time lucky at Vallis Way, the secrets of East Midlands rugby, and why he won't be turned into a flanker.

#BleedGreen

Saturday 18 October

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 1st XV v Saracens (A) - Hybrid match - 13.30

Ealing...

Nick Dawes has made a big impression in his short time at Vallis Way.

This September, he was fresh off the plane from Australia and straight onto the pitch, but he had already made an impression with an exclusive unveiling with Pat Nash during the Lions tour.

We talk over where he's played, how he's enjoying life in W13, why he left Australia for rainy England, and how much he knows about the club's rivalries.

#BleedGreen

Saturday 11 October

Ealing Trailfinders 871 ist XV v Ruislip (A) 15.00<...

Toby Holt. He arrived as a boy and is now the man leading the squad as club captain, but where is he on the teamsheet?

We get to the bottom of his absence, find out about his dalliance with the Black Ferns, and when he will be back on the pitch.

#BleedGreen

Friday 3 October

Ealing 1871 3rd XV v Chiswick (H) 19.30

Saturday 4 October

Ealing 1871 1st XV v Finchley (A) 15.00

Sunday 5 October

Ealing 1871 Women v Barnes (A) 14.30

Jess Smith and Christina Williams are two of the stars of Ealing Trailfinders 1871 Women. Jess is a long-time member of the club, while Christina is new to the sport, having joined and come through the Learn to Play programme over pre-season.

Christina made her debut in the opening match of the season against Grasshoppers, a match Jess started on the flank. Despite the loss, they are now looking ahead to their next fixture, away to Barnes on 5 October.

We find out about what Christina learned on the Learn to Play programme, how she's...

Christmas came early for Reggie Elliot-Jones after he was pushed backwards from the second row into the back row.

It worked wonders as he put in a man-of-the-match performance in the 36-19 win over Chiswck, one of three wins from three for the 1871 teams.

Reggie talks us through the likelihood of him running out in the back row again, how he's now part of the furniture, and the weekend matches to come.

#BleedGreen

Saturday 20 September

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 1st XV - Match v Hemel Hempstead...

Dave Francis has made quite the impact since he returned to the club at the end of last season, and he has started this season with a bang.

He helped the 1st XV to a 110-0 win over UCS on opening day, scored a try, and even enjoyed a cameo in the centres.

The big number eight first ran out at Vallis Way aged seven, but after enjoying the delights of the other clubs, he made the emotional return to his spiritual home.

We look back on the opening match...

We're counting down the minutes until the 2025-26 season starts, and to get us frothing in excitement for the season to come, we catch up with first XV skipper Lewis Steadman.

It is his fourth season wearing the arm band, and he has a lot to build on with new teammates and last season's success fresh in the memory.

We catch up with him to reflect on the joys of pre-season training and what sort of form we'll take into the new campaign.

#BleedGreen

Saturday 6 September

We're on the eve of the 2025-26 season, and the Ealing 1871 squad is ready to explode out for a new campaign.

The players have been grafting hard in pre-season, and we catch up with head coach Phil 'Smudger' Smith to find out how it has gone, what we can look forward to in the coming season, and how last season's success sets us up for another memorable year.

#BleedGreen

Saturday 6 September

Ealing 1871 1st XV v UCS, Vallis Way, 15.00

Ealing 1871 3rd XV v Harrow, Vallis Way, 15.00

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 signalled the end of a wildly successful 2024-25 season with their inaugural End of Season Club Awards Gala, a night that was as spectacular as some of their play this season.

There was much to celebrate, awards and caps to dish out, and praise galore who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the club continues to prosper and grow.

We catch up with the men's and women's players, and those who make the club tick, to find out how their seasons have been.

#BleedGreen

Hosted...

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; 

For he today that sheds his blood with me 

Shall be my brother."

Last Saturday, Ealing Trailfinders 1871 1st XV stood tall, puffed out their chests, and declared, "This is our day."

Indeed, it was, as a 28-24 win over Old Bristolians brought home their first piece of silverware in many a season, and celebrated in the same style in which they had played.

We catch up with head coach Phil 'Smudger' Smith and captain Lewis Steadman to lo...

Finals fever is sweeping Ealing Trailfinders 1871 as the 1st XV count down the days before they face Old Bristolians in the Papa John's Cup Final.

Phil 'Smudger' Smith has named his team, and coaches full of supporters are ready to sweep down the M4 to roar on their heroes in green and white.

It is a team stuffed with experience and sprinkled with talented youth, so we catch up with one of Smudger's Young Guns, Theo Szweda, to preview the match, gauge the levels of excitement, and discuss how many of his family...

Semifinal fever has swept Ealing Trailfinders 1871 and Vallis Way, with the 1st XV set for a semifinal showdown against Weybridge Vandals in the Papa John's Trophy.

Phil 'Smudger' Smith' will lead the green and white hordes down to Surrey where their opponents await at Cobham Rugby Club.

We hear from Kyle Beck, who hopes to be among the called troops, but first, we catch up on what occurred in the quarterfinal on the Suffolk coast.

#BleedGreen

Saturday 10 May

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 1st v Weybridge Vandals (Cobham...

It is a happy camp at Ealing Trailfinders 1871, and why not after the seconds lifted the club's first trophy in a while with a 43-17 victory over London Scottish Lions 2nds.

Luke Beasley lifted the trophy, but as he was away recuperating, we hear from Danny O'Sullivan, who gives us a breakdown of what happened.

We also hear from head coach Phil 'Smudger' Smith, who is taking the team to Southwold RFC in Suffolk for the latest round in the Papa John's Trophy.

#BleedGreen

Friday 02 May

Break out the bunting, dust off the oversized rosette, Ealing 1871 have a cup final to look forward to.

That's right, this Saturday, 1871 2nds will take on London Scottish Lions 2nds in the MT Bowl Final at Wasps FC on Twyford Avenue.

To mark this momentous occasion, we chatted with skipper Luke Beasley to preview the match, reflect on the season, and discuss his pre-match preparations.

It has been some time since an Ealing 1871 team was in a cup final, so get down to support the team and show the world...

He's back, Phil 'Smudger' Smith joins us to look back over the 1st XVs' final league match of the season and reflect on the league season.

Smudger brings us up to date on the goings on of the second and third XVs, and what action we can look forward to as the summer months kick in.

There's a special shout out to a new fan, and the chance to stay up to date with the social calendar.

Saturday 12 April

Ealing Trailfinders 1871 2nd XV v Hampstead 2nds (A) 15.00