Ealing Trailfinders veteran Alun Walker has become one of four new players to sign a contract extension at the club. 

 

The West London-based side have wasted no time in planning for the 2020/21 campaign after this season was terminated due to the coronavirus outbreak. 

 

Walker joins Pat Howard, Jack Tovey and Rayn Smid in putting pen to paper to extend their contracts beyond the summer. 

 

29-year-old Walker's incredible try-scoring record for Trailfinders since his move in 2014 - crossing 55 times - has led to him becoming a fans’ favourite and his two-year extension may allow him to amass over 150 appearances for the club. 

 

“It is a pleasure to be staying on with such an ambitious club for another two years,” Walker said.

 

“Nothing has changed in both the club’s or my own mentality on where we are striving to be.

 

“I am proud to have been a part of Ealing Trailfinders for the last six seasons and am looking forward to taking the club to the heights of where the players and staff believe we can be.” 

 

Experienced South African Howard also joins Walker in signing a two-year deal at the Green and Whites after his recent performances played a huge role in maintaining their eight-match winning streak, scoring four tries in his last eight games. 

 

Elsewhere, Tovey and captain Smid put pen to paper on three-year deals at the club. 

 

Tovey started the season in fine form, scoring three tries in the opening two matches but a back injury ruled him out until February. 

 

Smid, who has reached 93 appearances for Trailfinders, will now be aiming to become just the second player to reach a century for the club. 

 

The skipper lifted the Championship Cup last season after only missing one game in the entire campaign and the South African expressed his delight at staying in West London. 

 

“I’m extremely happy to sign on with Ealing Trailfinders, this club has massive ambition," he said.

 

"The coaches have always treated me well, I really enjoy working with them and the squad too, so it was a no-brainer to sign on here. I look forward to playing a part in taking this club forward.”

 

And Director of Rugby Ben Ward was thrilled to have Smid on board for the next three years. 

 

“Rayn is our captain, his level of consistency each week is something that makes him stand out,” he said.

 

“His robustness over the last few years, not just in games but also in training has been phenomenal. He brings so much on the field from lineouts, carries, speed and attack and is a fantastic leader off the pitch so it is great that he will be with us for the long term.”