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Ealing confirm five new signings, including Saints' Geordie Irvine
By Liam Heagney
Recently crowned Championship champions Ealing have confirmed the names of five more new arrivals at the Trailfinders for the 2024/25 season, including back row Geordie Irvine from Northampton Saints.
Fresh from their campaign-ending 59-12 win over Bedford last weekend, director of rugby Ben Ward has spent this week rolling out his latest recruitment list.
The unveilings began with the signing of full-back Tobi Wilson from fellow Championship side Coventry. Next came former Bath fly-half George Worboys, Newcastle prop Sam Clark, from Premiership side Newcastle Falcons, and Doncaster lock Ehize Ehizode was added to the roster before Irvine’s signing was announced.
A statement read: “Ealing are pleased to announce the signing of back row Geordie Irvine from Northampton ahead of the 2024/25 season. Irvine made seven appearances for the Saints, joining the senior academy ahead of the 2021/22 season and featuring in four Premiership Rugby Cup fixtures that year.
“His one appearance for the Saints this season came off the bench against Trailfinders in Northampton’s 48-22 cup loss at TFSC. The 20-year-old continued his professional rugby development on loan during his time at Northampton, joining fellow Championship sides Bedford Blues and Cambridge for spells.
“He was also dual registered with National League 1 side Leicester Lions this season. Irvine also represented England at U18 and U20 levels while progressing through the Northampton junior academy. The back-rower said: “I’m very excited to be joining such a successful club that’s heading in such a positive direction.”
Director Ward added: “Geordie is a great young talent to be bringing into the club. He has impressed us this season, and I believe he has all the physical attributes to succeed at Trailfinders Sports Club.”
Regarding his other four signings this week, Ward added: “Ehize has impressed us a lot at Doncaster and has been a mainstay in one of the teams battling at the top of the table for the past couple of seasons. I hope he can carry on this form at Ealing Trailfinders next season.
“Sam has a huge amount of potential, and we’re keen to help him grow along his journey in professional rugby. George is an exciting young talent in a crucial position, and we are thrilled to be bringing him in. His attributes will complement our style of play nicely.
“Tobi has impressed us this year with his creativity and was a really important part of an impressive Coventry team. We’re really happy to be bringing him into the environment, and I’m excited to see what he can add to the squad.”
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I guess the other option would be to start ALB, he's looked good in the 12 so far when he starts and sets up those outside him. But that would mean putting the vice captain on the bench, which is unlikely. Another option would be to drop Reiko to the bench and play Proctor, though he's gone home so that's not going to happen either.
Both of those players just offer more of the soft distribution skills good centres learn from playing their careers there. Unfortunately that's what's lacking with the current combo.
Go to commentsWhatever let's see if this load of waffle is still valid in 2 years time. ABs will rise we have a lot of new talent coming through. The NPC was the highest standard for years. The game is changing to suit the fast pace we like to play. We get to play the Springboks more, including the franchises, which will make us better! Overall I am optimistic. I will add having watched the England game multiple times we made most of the play. England are an awesome physical team, but you can expect the All Blacks to get better and better at executing the chances. It could easily have been 5 tries to one instead of 3 to 1.
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