Ealing Trailfinders have announced the signings of two New Zealand-born forwards, adding tighthead prop PJ Sheck and back-rower Harry Taylor as the Championship club looks to deepen its resources in the pack.
Sheck, 25, joins from the Blues in Wellington and brings experience of Super Rugby. The move will be his first spell in English rugby. Ealing described him as a physical presence in contact and an explosive ball carrier, and said he would add depth to the forward pack. The club also noted that while Sheck’s primary position is tighthead, he is able to play on both sides of the scrum.
Sheck said: “I’m pretty stoked to be here in England playing for Ealing Trailfinders. I’m really looking forward to playing and growing my game around the unique style of play that Trailfinders provide. They play structured and quick rugby which is an exciting prospect.”
Taylor arrives from Otago after a 2025 National Provincial Championship campaign that ended with the side reaching the final. Ealing said Taylor can play at both openside and blindside flanker, and that this will be his first time playing northern hemisphere rugby.
Taylor said: “I’m feeling excited and grateful to join the Ealing Trailfinders family. All the players and management have been very welcoming and I’m looking forward to making a positive impact on the club.”
Ben Ward, Ealing’s director of rugby, said both signings would increase competition and flexibility. Ward said of Sheck: “It’s great to have PJ with us and he adds depth to our front row. Whilst he primarily plays at tighthead, he can play on both sides of the scrum, adding versatility to our forwards. PJ has been a strong addition to our squad in training so far and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in the Champ.”
Ward said of Taylor: “Harry has been a great addition to the squad. His ability to move between openside and blindside will help us cover different positions in the back row as the season continues to unfold. His experience from the NPC will be very valuable in our Champ campaign. With his background and age, he is a player that I’m excited to see develop and progress with Ealing Trailfinders.”
The move follows the recent signing of another Kiwi, 21-year-old New Zealand winger Brodie Robinson who joined to strengthen their squad for the Championship Rugby season.
