After finishing runners-up for a second consecutive season in the Championship, Ealing Trailfinders are in strong contention to seal promotion to the Premiership once again ahead of the 2020/21 season.
1. Richard Wigglesworth
The 36-year-old, who has
vowed to continue playing if he is released by Sarries, could be approached by the Championship club, where the Premiership record appearance holder is already operating as attack coach. Wigglesworth is reportedly keen to continue with his coaching career while playing, which he’d easily be able to do by stepping down a division.
2. Guy Thompson
Despite plenty interest from a number of Gallagher Premiership clubs,
The Rugby Paper has exclusively revealed that the flanker will be playing for Ealing in the Championship next season. Thompson was voted Tigers’ newcomer of the season for 2018-19 after scoring five tries in 20 outings – including
two in the crucial win at Newcastle last April which helped the club survive relegation from the Premiership
3. Lewis Thiede
The highy-rated tighthead will depart Bristol Bears following the signing of England prop Kyle Sinckler. Thiede has made 31 appearances for Bears since joining Bristol from Ealing Trailfinders, and director of rugby Pat Lam was complementary of the improvement the prop has made during his time with the club.
4. Chris Robshaw
The England flankerannounced earlier this season that he would leave Harlequins at the end of the season with a move to the USA heavily mooted. However, according to RUCK sources, this move has stalled, triggering Ealing into making contact with the 33-year-old. The 66-cap international is reportedly open to talks but doesn't intend to decide on his future until when rugby will return becomes more clear.
5. Phil Dolman
Rob Baxter's first signing when he took charge of the Exeter Chiefs back in 2009, the Welshman has played an integral role in the rise of the Devon club since his arrival. The 34-year-old fullback
penned a one-year extension towards the end of the 2018/19 season, but it's looking increasingly likely that he may have played his last game for Chiefs. If he wants one last challenge, helping Ealing to promotion would be a good one.