Local Rugby club Ealing Trailfinders has formed a new partnership with Australian club Northern Suburbs that will see both teams help each other in both their men’s and women’s teams.
Based in Sydney, Northern Suburbs has produced 42 Wallabies, including Al Baxter, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Scott Sio. The club fields five senior sides every weekend and has a strong academy and youth setup.
Their season runs from April to September and the first team is currently in the semi-finals of the Shute Shield, having already secured the Minor Premiership. They will face Gordon on 28 August 2022 for a place in the Shute Shield final.
The partnership is set to benefit both clubs, with a focus on men’s and women’s academy programmes. As part of the agreement, players on the Trailfinders Rugby Academy Programme who coaches feel would benefit from extra game time in a new environment, will have the opportunity to travel over to Sydney and play for Northern Suburbs during the UK off-season.
This player exchange will be a two-way relationship, with the opportunity being replicated for Norths players to have the chance to play rugby in the UK. The partnership will also see coaches share knowledge with each other and will help increase the development of our men’s and women’s academy players.
Jack Burey, Northern Suburbs executive general manger, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with such a progressive and dynamic professional outfit. We look forward to welcoming a number of personnel to North Sydney Oval & providing an opportunity for players to continue their development. We have no doubt both parties will be richer for the experience on and off the field.”
Simon Sinclair, chief operating officer of Ealing Trailfinders Academy and Women’s Programme, said: “We’re delighted to be able to partner with such an impressive club who are at the heartbeat of rugby in Sydney. From my recent trip there, I was bowled over by the standard of the facilities, playing surface and the welcoming, community feel of the club. The partnership will be such a great opportunity for our young players to gain new experiences and they should all come back not just better players, but better people.”
