Ealing Trailfinders have confirmed the signing of half-back duo Gareth Simpson and Louie Johnson, who both join the club from North London ahead of the new campaign.
Follow @RuckTransfers on Instagram for the latest rugby transfer news
Scrum-half Simpson and fly-half Johnson make the switch from NW4 to W13, adding further strength to the squad’s options at half-back.
Simpson arrives with a strong blend of domestic and international experience, having featured in the Currie Cup for the Durban-based Sharks and in the Gallagher Premiership with Saracens.
Alongside his playing career, the 28-year-old founded Rugby Recycled in 2011, a charity aimed at improving access to rugby by collecting and distributing playing kit.
Johnson, 23, is a versatile back who can operate at fly-half or full-back, though his preferred role is in the half-back positions.
View this post on Instagram
He has represented England at U20 level and made 13 appearances for his former North London side across the Prem and Prem Rugby Cup this season.
Speaking after his move, Simpson said:
“ I am extremely excited to be joining Ealing Trailfinders. Having spoken to the coaches, a few players and following the progress of the team over the last few seasons, it is an environment that I can’t wait to be a part of.
“I am looking forward to working hard and making memories over the next few years.”
Johnson also shared his thoughts on the move to West London:
“I’m really excited to be joining Ealing Trailfinders. I’m looking forward to the challenge of competing for a trophy and joining up with my new teammates who I’m sure will be relishing the same challenge. It’s an exciting time for the club and I can’t wait to be involved.”
Director of Rugby Ben Ward outlined the club’s thinking behind the signings:
“Gareth is a player that we’ve looked at for a number of years. We like Gareth a lot. He’s left-footed and a lot of our tens are right-footed so Gareth offers a different combination.
“He plays a good tempo and kicking game. We wanted our halfbacks to be strong positions for us this season and we definitely think at nine, Gareth really adds to that group.
“Louie fits the profile of the player we’re looking for. We feel that he’s a fly-half on the up. He has good attributes at ten with a strong rugby brain with great kicking and passing ability.
“He’s a prospect we’re really excited about and think will thrive at Ealing Trailfinders. We’re an attacking team and need our fly-half to be able to play on the front foot and I think Louie is someone who can do that very well.”
