Nonkontwana leaves Bulls for English club

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English second division club the Ealing Trailfinders have announced the signing of Abongile Nonkontwana from the Vodacom Bulls on a two-year deal.

The South African, who can play lock as well as across the back row, came through the youth system at the Bulls where he featured in the Currie Cup on 27 occasions, before being promoted to the senior squad in 2017.

He then made nine Vodacom Super Rugby appearances for the Bulls before moving to the Cheetahs in 2018 and played 16 times in the PRO14.

The 25-year-old then returned to the Bulls for the 2019-20 Super Rugby season, but with the Covid-19 pandemic bringing the competition to an early conclusion and the appointment of Jake White as the new coach, Nonkontwana was on the out at Loftus and has now been snapped up by the Trailfinders, who play in the RFU Championship.


Nonkontwana says he is excited by his new opportunity to play in England.

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

‘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.’

The club’s director of rugby, Ben Ward, said he 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.’


Photo: Johan Rynners/Gallo Images

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