Ealing add Collins to list of star recruits

BIG-SPENDING Ealing Trailfinders have come to the rescue of Tom Collins who had been left high and dry by the collapse of London Irish. 

- JON NEWCOMBE

Irish announced the signing for the former Northampton Saints fans’ favourite at the end of April but the 28-year-old electric winger was forced to look elsewhere for employment once the club went into administration earlier this month.

Collins had chosen to leave his hometown club Northampton due to a lack of opportunities after spending all his career there, scoring 48 tries in 144 appearances for the Saints.

His form as injury cover towards the end of last season put the former England U20 international back in the shop window and London Irish needed a prolific try-scorer with Ollie Hassell-Collins off to Leicester.

Sadly, the move never happened and instead of continuing his career in the Premiership, Collins will be part of an Ealing squad that wouldn’t look out of place in the top flight.

DoR Ben Ward’s back-three options now include Collins, Wales international Jonah Holmes and ex-Newcastle, Saracens and Harlequins player Nathan Earle.