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Three latest Ealing signings include a Super Rugby Pacific flanker
By Liam Heagney
Championship champions Ealing have unveiled Super Rugby Pacific flanker Carlo Tizzano as one of three new signings for next season. The London club have also secured the services of Northampton back-rower Ollie Newman and versatile Loughborough Students forward David Douglas-Bridge, who recently played Premiership Cup for Leicester Tigers.
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The 22-year-old Tizzano has featured five times in this season’s Super Rugby tournament with the NSW Waratahs, making 18 appearances overall at that level since his 2020 switch to Sydney from Perth where he started out as a member of the Rugby WA academy in Perth.
He went on to represent Western Force, Australian schools and U20s, catching the eye at the World Rugby Junior Championship and then making the leap from age-grade prospect to first-team rugby. Tizzano said: “I’m extremely excited to have the opportunity to play for Ealing, a highly regarded club. It is evident that they are going in the right direction to be in the Premiership and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Ealing director of rugby Ben Ward added: “We are very pleased to sign a player of Carlo’s quality. He is an excellent young player, adds power and experience to our back row and will become a crucial member of our squad. He has proven experience in Australia and we are excited to watch him develop even further.”
Trailfinders also announced the signing of the 21-year-old Newman, who was named earlier on Wednesday as one of nine players who would be leaving Northampton next month when their contracts expire. He debuted for Saints in the Premiership against Bath in June 2021 after making nine Championship appearances that season on loan at Bedford.
Newman said: “I’m really looking forward to joining Ealing, a club with noticeably great ambition and an exciting future. I can’t wait to get started and learn from both players and coaches in order to continue to develop, improve and help the clubs achieve its aims.”
As for Douglas-Bridge, he is another 21-year-old who can play second and back row. He enjoyed what Ealing described as an impressive season for Loughborough in BUCS Super Rugby before joining Leicester on a short-term deal where he made two recent Premiership Cup appearances.
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“Having watched Ealing win the Championship this season and having spoken to Ben Ward about the vision and aspirations of the club, I’m really excited about the future and can’t wait to get involved,” said Douglas-Bridge.
DoR Ward added: “Ollie is a highly talented and skilful player who adds considerable power to our back row. He has gained valuable experience at Championship level, not least against us. He has displayed huge ambition which will help drive our club towards the top.
“David is a talented and hard-working young player. He has shown his huge potential and ability these past few months, playing for Loughborough and earning his opportunity with Leicester. We’re excited for his arrival. He is a strong ball runner and tough defender.”
