'Our aim is to be a Premiership team' - DoR pens open letter to supporters

Ealing Trailfinders are not satisfied with just being a Championship team, and have their sights firmly set on the Premiership.

At least that's according to Director of Rugby Ben Ward, who penned an open letter to the club's supporters on their website.

Through an aggressive recruitment policy and plans at infrastructural development, Ealing want to usurp the established West London rugby hierarchy and make their way to English rugby's top table.

"There have been some brilliant wins throughout the 17/18 season and to have pushed Bristol so close was a superb effort. Finishing second in the league to go alongside our Cup triumph made it a very memorable campaign.

"Our home record was outstanding, winning 16 of our 17 fixtures at Vallis Way. For our players to have such confidence in front of our fans makes a massive difference and we’ll need more of the same in the 2018/19 campaign.

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"The question that I’m asked the most is regarding the future ambition of the club, and the answer is simple. Our aim is to be a Premiership team and we are working towards that goal both on and off the field as we push for promotion over the next few years.

"You will have seen that we have announced a whole host of new arrivals over the last couple of months and our squad is looking stronger than ever for the 2018/19 season.

"A number of the players that we have signed were attracted to us because of our ambition and competition for places will be very exciting. It is important that we gel on and off the field so preseason will be very important in laying the foundations and building team spirit.

"This is a challenge I'm extremely excited about to bring together lots of talented players, moulding them into a team and creating something special.

The West London side have signed US Eagle Andrew Durutalo, Campese Ma’afu, Harry Sloan and Guy Armitage - among others - to the club ahead of the new season.

"... for our ambitions to come to fruition there is a lot of work to be done off the pitch. We are launching a brand new Community Programme in June which will see the club become far more visible in the local area as we look to reach out and bring more people through the gate.

"The facilities at TFSC continue to improve with lots of work happening in the offseason including new offices, increased space for the rugby programme and changing room improvements. There are also plans to improve the match day experience around the ground."

The club's preseason includes matches against the Dragons and a local derby against Harlequins.

"To continue our journey it is vitally important for us to be increasing our supporter base. If you come down on a regular basis I would urge you to bring some friends to allow them to experience what we have to offer. If you don't come on a regular basis or have not been before then now is the perfect time to come down and see what the British and Irish Champions are all about!"