Facilities Reality Check

See the truth vs. the myths about Trailfinders Sports Ground

"The rules state you need a 10,000-capacity stadium. Why should Ealing be the exception?

The 10,000-seat rule is an arbitrary legacy requirement. Several current Premiership clubs rarely fill 10,000 seats. A packed, atmospheric 6,000 stadium at Trailfinders Sports Ground provides a better TV product and fan experience than a half-empty cavernous ground. We want to grow organically, not build "white elephants."

"Ealing's average attendance isn't one of the largest in the Champ. Is there actually a demand?"

Since the tragic loss of London Irish and Wasps, there is a massive void for elite rugby in West London. Our attendance is growing, but "Premiership Rugby" is the product fans want to buy. You don't judge a restaurant's potential based on how many people eat there before it’s even opened.

"Isn't Ealing just a 'sugar daddy' club? What happens if the investment stops?"

Ealing is one of the most financially stable clubs in the country precisely because of its backing and lack of debt. Unlike clubs that have recently collapsed, Ealing’s investment is built into infrastructure, a world-class academy, and community pathways. We are a model of stability in a volatile league.

"If Ealing leaves the Championship, won't the second tier lose its most professional outfit and collapse?"

You cannot punish excellence to subsidise a league's survival. Holding Ealing back creates a "glass ceiling" that devalues the entire Champ. Promotion creates a vacuum that allows clubs like Pirates, Doncaster, Worcester or Bedford to strive for the top, keeping the dream of promotion alive for everyone.

"The RFU says the facilities aren't 'Premiership Standard.' Isn't that a fair assessment?"

This is factually incorrect. Our training facilities, medical suites, and pitches are superior to several existing Premiership setups. The "standards" being cited are often about planning permission.

"Why not just ground-share with a local football club like QPR or Brentford?"

We’ve seen the "nomadic club" model fail repeatedly (London Irish, Wasps). Ealing Trailfinders belongs at Vallis Way. It is our home, our identity, and our community hub. We want to build a sustainable future on our own terms, not as a secondary tenant in a football stadium.

Champ2Prem - Let Ealing IN!

Sign our Petition Here

"Championship Title Holders Ealing have had a far better ground at the Trailfinders Sports Club in terms of existing facilities for fans and players than Bath, the Premiership champions, have at The Rec.

Yet none of the RFU/PRB (Professional Rugby Board) administering the Minimum Standards Commission (MSC) for grounds introduced two decades ago has ssen fit to put Bath on special measures"

Nick Cain - The Rugby Paper - Jan 11 2026

★★★★★

Trailfinders Sports Club vs The Rec

"Top place for rugby in West London, that just gets better.... Championship winners in the last season, and playing an excellent style of running rugby...

Beyond the Championship, professional game, its club rugby, its a great place for junior rugby (all age groups, mixed till yr6) - with junior rugby for girls and boys, as well as progression beyond that to academy standards with links to local universities. Pop down it's a friendly place, with other sports on site to, as well as a great meeting place/venue."

Bruce Thompson - Google Review

“There cannot be a circumstance in which, if Ealing finish top, we would not be allowed into the Prem,”

“That is still our position, otherwise we wouldn’t have applied. If the RFU are serious about going from 10 to 12, the only way they’re going to do it is by bringing Ealing in and then bringing one more in. If they say no and say we’re going to stay at 10, you can’t take [expansion talk] seriously.”

Simon Halliday, former Champ Chairman (now an adviser to Ealing) - The Guardian Dec 9 2025