Ealing statement: Club signs 'exceptional professional' Holmes

Out-of-favour Wales international Jonah Holmes has joined English Championship side Ealing, calling time on his stint at Dragons in the URC. Holmes had quit Leicester in 2019 to play regional rugby in the hope of boosting his international selection chances, but he hasn’t made Wayne Pivac’s Test teamsheet since last July series versus Argentina.  

It was April 27 when RugbyPass first reported that Holmes was set to move to London and an Ealing statement read: “Trailfinders are excited to confirm the signing of Welsh international and Dragons wing Jonah Holmes. The 29-year-old, who can play on the wing or fullback, moves to Trailfinders following three seasons at the Dragons, where he scored 14 tries in 31 matches. 

“Prior to his move to Rodney Parade, Jonah enjoyed a highly successful stint at Leicester Tigers touching down for 24 tries over three seasons, including ten tries in his first eleven matches for the club.

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Bristol and England’s Dave Attwood joins the guys this week to reveal some loose stories from a well-traveled career. We hear about his run-in with Owen Farell, why his modern man approach didn’t go down well with a certain head coach, and skiing in France with the Galacticos of Toulon. We also get Dave’s first-hand account of Carl Fearns and Gavin Henson’s bust-up and the fallout from Sam Burgess’ move to Bath.

“Born in Stockport and raised locally in Ealing, Jonah played his junior rugby for London Scottish before spells with Wasps, Rosslyn Park, Henley Hawks, London Welsh and Yorkshire Carnegie.

“His international call-up came in November 2018, making his Wales debut at full-back in the 74-24 win over Tonga. The flying winger made his Six Nations debut in 2019, helping Wales to a 26-15 victory over Italy. Jonah arrives in West London with seven Welsh caps under his belt and two international tries.”

Holmes said: “I consider myself double lucky because not only will I be part of the big things happening at Ealing but I will also get the chance to play in my hometown. I’ve been at some great clubs around the UK but Ealing has always been home for me and over the next few years I’m going to try to deliver some of my best rugby.”

Ealing director of rugby Ben Ward added: “This is a significant signing for our club and highlights our determination to compete at the very top of English rugby. Jonah is an exceptional professional, his playing record is elite and he arrives at Trailfinders with high ambitions and a strong desire to play a major part in our push for the Premiership.”