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A little-known Ealing academy graduate has just signed for Toulon

(Photo by GERARD JULIEN/AFP via Getty Images)

Harrison Obatoyinbo has left Championship club Ealing Trailfinders after Toulon activated a release clause in his contract. The West London academy product had been promoted to the Ealing first-team squad for the 2020/21 season, but he was approached by the Top 14 club and has now left for France.

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An electric finisher who can play across the back three, Obatoyinbo, formerly of Harrow School, scored nine tries in eleven matches for Team Brunel, beating 74 defenders en route to the try-line throughout last season.

Having spotted his talent, three-time Heineken Cup Champions Toulon activated a release clause in the Obatoyinbo contract and he will now continue his development across the Channel.  

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“The last twelve months with Ealing Trailfinders have been fantastic,” Obatoyinbo said on the London club’s website. “They have a great rugby infrastructure and a genuine, supportive community of staff and players who have made me feel welcome and wanted.

“Ealing Trailfinders is a great opportunity for young players with goals of being a professional. Thank you to everyone who has helped me to kick start my career.”

Ealing director of rugby Ben Ward claimed the move was a sign of the significant progress made in the Trailfinders academy. “From a selfish point of view, I’m disappointed to see Harrison leave. However, it’s a hugely exciting opportunity and our job in the academy is to provide a platform for our young players.

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“I’m proud of the progress that he has made and wish him well at his new club. We will watch his progress closely and he will be welcome back at any time. Again this shows that you don’t need the Premiership academy route to make it as a professional, but an environment that supporters players and gives them opportunities.

“We are extremely proud of how our academy is building, and this shows how much talent we have in our ranks.”

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JW 1 hour ago
Everyone knows Robertson is not supposed to be doing the coaching

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I think that’s the more common outlook rather than people panicking mate, I think they just want something to happen and that needs an outlet. For instance, yes, we were still far too good for most in even weaker areas like the scrum, but it’s the delay in the coaches seemingly admitting that it’s been dissapoint. How can they not see DURING THE GAME it didn’t go right and say it? What are they scared of? Do they think the estimation of the All Blacks will go down in peoples minds? And of course thats not a problem if it weren’t for the fact they don’t do any better the next game! And then they finally seem to see and things get better. I’ve had endless discussions with Chicken about what’s happening at half time, and the lack of any real change. That problem is momentum is consistent with their being NO progress through the year. The team does not improve. The lineout is improved and is good. The scrum is weak and stays weak. The misfires and stays misfiring. When is the new structure following Lancasters Leinster going to click?



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