SA forward moves to England's second tier from Bulls

TRANSFER NEWS: Championship club Ealing Trailfinders announced the signing of Abongile Nonkontwana from the Blue Bulls on a two-year deal.

The South African, who can play in the second row or across the back row, joined the Bulls after finishing his schooling at St. Alban’s College in 2014 and went on to represent the franchise at Under-19, U21, Super Sport Rugby Challenge, Currie Cup and Super Rugby level.

He also represented SA Schools and the Junior Springboks.

In 2018, he joined the Cheetahs where he tasted European rugby in the Pro14 before returning to Loftus Versfeld for the 2020 Super Rugby season and featured in several matches before the COVID-19 pandemic put paid to the global rugby season.

Ealing Trailfinders Director of Rugby Ben Ward is delighted to welcome Nonkontwana to West London.

"Abongile is a fantastic player and someone we are very much looking forward to seeing in an Ealing Trailfinders shirt.

"He fits exactly what we wanted in terms of the calibre of player and also someone who can improve our squad. Being able to play in both the second-row and the back-row gives us great options, and with his ability around the pitch as well as his physicality, we see this as a very exciting arrival.'"

Nonkontwana is also excited by his new opportunity in English rugby.

"Firstly I’d just like to thank the people who made this move possible, I’m grateful and excited.

"This will be a new chapter in my rugby career, I intend to grab this opportunity with both hands and give my all to the club ensuring the greater vision and mission that has been put in place for Ealing Trailfinders.

"I know we will be working hard and giving our best to ensure our supporters are proud of us."