Former Ulster winger Angus Kernohan says he will forever “cherish” the memory of making history with Ealing Trailfinders in the RFU Championship.
A landslide 60-10 thumping of Richmond last weekend ensured Ealing topped the second tier of English rugby for the first time in the 151-year history of the club.
Kernohan, who joined the West London outfit from Ulster in 2020, played an eye catching role as he crossed the line for two tries to help seal a memorable day for the Green and Whites.
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And while Ealing’s promotion to the Gallagher Premiership remains on a knife edge over stadium criteria, it didn’t take away from the joyful scenes or sense of achievement at the Sports Ground.
“The fact we were playing our nearest rival in the penultimate game of the season and the result effectively decided the league made it a very memorable day,” said Kernohan.
“It was a tough season but we got there in the end and to win 60-10 and lift the trophy was fantastic for everyone connected with Ealing.
“It was a very special day and a memory I will cherish for a long time.”
On settling into life in West London, Kernohan, who made 21 appearances for Ulster- before parting company with the province two years ago, said: “It’s a big change to Ballymena, but I’m loving it.
“The club is really ambitious and this was something we had aimed for at the start of the season, so to achieve it was very rewarding.
“We had some setbacks during the campaign and lost four matches along the way, but I think we showed our character and class when it mattered most at the end.”
Kernohan, now 23, was part of the Ireland U20s team that won the grand slam during the 2019 Six Nations Championship.
And the Ballymena native is just one of several names at Ealing who will be familiar to followers of Irish and Ulster rugby.
David O’Connor and Bill Johnston, who have played for Ulster, are part of Ben Ward’s squad, while former Ulster coach Kieran Campbell recently joined Ealing’s backroom staff.
David Johnston, who played for Munster, former Connacht scrum-half Stephen Kerins and ex-Leinster back Cian Kelleher are also with the Trailfinders.
“There are quite a few Irish guys here,” said Kernohan.
“Kieran Campbell was my Ulster academy coach from the age of 14 and also my defence coach with the Irish U20s, so there are a lot of familiar faces.”
An RFU decision on Ealing’s entry into the Premiership, which hinges on the size of their Sports Ground home, is expected by the end of the month.
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