Ealing Trailfinders sign 138kg cousin of the Vunipolas
Ealing Trailfinders have confirmed the next two members of the Trailfinders Rugby Academy with Brunel University London - and one of them is a 138kg cousin of the Vunipolas.
According to the club website, Sione Funaki and Harrison Obatoyinbo have arrived and have gone "straight into training alongside the first-team squad as they begin their journey with the club".
Harrison Obatoyinbo joins from Saracens Under 18s where his brother Elliott was also part of the Academy, and the full-back will bring plenty of excitement to the back-line. He attended Harrow for his school and sixth form studies, and also played for their first team during that time.
Sione Funaki is another addition to the back-row which boasts significant depth, and the Tongan who is the cousin of the Vunipola brothers joins from the Exeter Chiefs Academy. He attended Sixth Form at Shebbear College, and represented Somerset at Under 16 and 18 age groups.
Brunel Head of Rugby Gareth Rise says these new arrivals are another statement of intent for the ever-growing programme.
“Harrison has fantastic footwork and ability on the ball. Both Saracens and Harrow spoke very highly of him as a player and a person.
"Sione brings a huge physical presence at 138kg and we are very excited about where he can get to.”
Source: Ealing Trailfinders
Latest Comments
This article should have been written immediately after the final, not half a year later. While the content of the article is accurate with the references to the cruel bounce to Savea right before the try line, Etzebeth’s cynical infringement, and the inconsistent cards, some of the hyperbole emotional statements are unnecessary and gaslighting. The fact remains that the Springboks took their scoring opportunities. They had amazing defence throughout the entire match (limiting the ABs to one try is very respectable), their scrum was pretty good and they had quite a solid lineout despite having a part-time hooker throwing the ball in. Let’s give credit where credit is due and move forward. The Springboks won because they know how to win big games through strong defence and kicking, and they had lady luck on their side on the day. The All Blacks miraculously made the final despite everyone’s predictions and could’ve won the whole damn thing with 14 men who should’ve taken better advantage of their scoring chances and committed less mistakes (shoddy lineouts, dropped balls, some poor kicks and passing, etc), and an average coach and captain with some questionable tactics (Jordie kicking for goal late in the game from a dodgy position and perhaps the wrong game plan overall). Time to move on.
Go to commentsGreat mythology - no surprises Ox didn't talk about being driven backwards by Laulala in the RWC final!
Go to comments