Chiefs’ Kenny off to Ealing
EALING Trailfinders have confirmed the signing of loosehead prop James Kenny from Exeter Chiefs ahead of the 2024/25 season, writes John Eveley.
Kenny, 25, came through the Exeter Chiefs academy and made 33 appearances for the first teams, but joins the Championship winners on a permanent deal having been on loan with Ealing for a brief spell during the 2023/24 season, making one appearance off the bench on the final day of the 23/24 season.
During his time with Chiefs, Kenny went on dual registration with National League 1 club Plymouth Albion and Championship side Cornish Pirates and also gained honors with England U20s
Speaking about the move to the Ealing Trailfinders website, Kenny said: “I’ve been made to feel really welcome by all the players and staff over my loan period in West London. I’m really excited to be joining such and ambitious side and hope I can bring a lot to Ealing Trailfinders next year.”
Trailfinders director of rugby Ben Ward added: “James is someone we have tracked for a while. He has good competition at loosehead and we think he is up for the challenge and is looking to kick on with his career.”
While Chiefs are yet to officially announce the signing, the Premiership club are understood to be bringing in Ealing prop Jimmy Roots, the brother of Exeter flanker Ethan, ahead of next season and have been linked with several other players at the Championship side.
Meanwhile, Chiefs have confirmed that lock Jack Dunne and loosehead prop Billy Keast have put pen to paper on new deals keeping them at Sandy Park next season.
Irishman Dunne arrived in Devon ahead of the 2022/23 season from United Rugby Championship [URC] giants, Leinster, and has made 35 appearances for the club in all competitions to date.
The Cornwall-born-and-raised Keast, 27, has been a part of the Chiefs squad since his debut in 2016 making 50 career appearances.