Lewis Ellingham

RUGBY EXPERIENCES

UK
Position: Loose & Tight Head Prop & Number 8
Played for Jamaica UK vs Gibraltar 22 November 2022 & 23 March 2023

CS Stags 1863, London
March 2021 – 2022

Relaxation of COVID-19 rules means I can train & play
Rosslyn Park, London
August 2021

Offered a contract playing for the remaining part of the official season 2019-2020
ITALY
Rugby Bologna 1928
22 January – 31 May 2020 (Finished March 11, COVID-19)
Position: Loose and Tight Head Prop

USA
Glendale Raptors, Aspen
19-22 September 2019 Position: Tight Head Prop

Invited to play with Glendale Merlinz in Ruggerfest; & a trial with Glendale Raptors
LUXEMBOURG
Global Chiefs
6 July 2019 Position: Loose Head Prop

Invited & played for the Global Chiefs in 10s Tournament, which we won.
ITALY
Ivrea Rugby Club, Ivrea
January – March 2019 Position: Loose Head Prop

Having returned from Cape Town, most clubs were busy during the season. I was offered an opportunity to go to Italy on a short-term agreement to Ivrea Rugby, and this enabled me to gain more experience at my scrummaging.

I played 5 games in the Serie C Championship, which Ivrea won, and they recently were promoted to Serie B.
SOUTH AFRICA
Villagers, Cape Town
January – October 2018 Position: Loose Head Prop

Villagers Rugby being the linked club to the WPRA means I have been able to play against some of the best teams in the Western Cape at club level in the Super A League, and so exposed myself to top opposition. The senior rugby has helped me adapt to physical professional rugby.

Played 17 games for Villagers
Western Province Rugby Academy, Cape Town
January – October 2018 Position: Lock & Flank changed to Loose Head Prop (and played this position in all WPRA games)

Having first applied and being accepted by the WPRA, I started off playing Lock & Flank; then moved my position to the Front Row as Loose Head Prop. It has been hard, challenging but very enjoyable. Having made the transition to the Front Row I offered the work rate of a flank. I’m wanting to pave the way of being a flexible Prop, not just a Prop that scrums and carry; and change how Front Rows play. I still have a long way to go with my scrummaging, and I am always willing to learn.

This full-time program has helped me adapt to the training schedule of a professional rugby player. I have learnt so much thanks to WPRA.

Played 20 games for the WPRA.

Represented the Academy on a tour to Argentina (10-21 October 2018) WPRA vs Sante Fe; Parana & Lanus Rugby Clubs. WPRA won all three games.
Sharks Academy, Durban
June – July 2016 Position: Lock & Flank – It was here at Sharks that it was suggested I move to Prop

I went to Sharks Academy for 2 weeks to broaden my rugby experience and find out what it really takes to become a professional rugby player. I was given the opportunity to train at one of the best rugby facilities in the world, under the guidance of some of the top coaches in South Africa.

The programme focused on developing and improving tactical approach to the modern game as well as team play. We had a professionally prepared physical conditioning program, and worked out daily in the gym.
UK
Ealing Trailfinders
2014 – 2018 Position: Lock & Flank

I played in the U18s squad and graduated to the Senior Academy in my first season, so my physicality and skill improved. At the age of 17, I was called up to play with the Senior Team against the Combined Services (Army, Navy & Airforce) this was great exposure for me at such a young age. It has helped me to adapt to senior rugby, and I am still to this day thankful for all that the Ealing Coaches did for me during my time at Trailfinders.

Played 50+ games at Ealing Trailfinders
London Irish
2015 I was accepted into London Irish Gold Academy and London Irish ASSE Academy just after I left school. I was very excited to get started and get training. However, I didn’t achieve the academic grades to meet the requirements for their sixth form college. I was disappointed, but it didn’t deter me from my goal to become a professional rugby player. I didn’t give up and it definitely made me stronger, and I joined Ealing Trailfinders instead.
Richmond
2010 – 2013 Position: Centre – I spent a short time at Richmond Warriors playing Rugby League U15s.

Position: Lock & Flank 3 years at Richmond RFU U13s-16s

Played more than 50 games in this period
Middlesex County
2012 – 2017 Position: Lock & Flank

I have been fortunate enough to be selected to play at county level from the age of 15 – 20 years; then I left for South Africa in 2018

Played 20+ games (approx. 4 games a year)

PROFILE

I have been playing rugby consistently since I was 7 years old, and my ultimate goal is to be a professional rugby player, and my dream, to one day play for England.

In March 2019, I returned from Italy, where I had a short-term agreement to play Loose Head Prop for Ivrea Club during the Serie C Championships; which Ivrea won, and were recently promoted to Serie B.

Prior to this I was at the Western Province Rugby Academy in Cape Town, South Africa for 10 months (January – October 2018) participating in their High Performance Rugby Programme. I really enjoyed training and playing full time, and I was originally an 8th man; however the Coaches at WPRA advised that I have what it takes to play at a higher level as a Loose Head Prop. This was the position they moved me to, and having made the switch, it is a position I enjoyed playing for WPRA & Villages, both in junior and senior games.

I still have a lot to learn, and I am willing to work hard. My next step is to commit to a full time position as a Loose Head Prop in a successful club that will make use of my skill to help, support and ensure their continuing success; whilst improving me as a player, helping me fulfil my potential, and ultimately realise my dream.

EDUCATION

Western Province Rugby Academy
21/1 – 31/10/2018 Cape Town, SA High Performance Rugby Programme
Sharks Academy
24/6 – 10/7/2016 Durban, SA Players Elite Training Camp
College
2016 – 7 Richmond, UK Brick laying level 2
Health & Safety levels 2 & 3
Teddington Pool
2014 – 5 Teddington, UK UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification & First Aider
Schools
2002 – 2016 Twickenham, UK Nelson Primary; Orleans Park; Twickenham Academy

· Glendale Merlinz vs Gentlemen of Aspen Sept 2019 Lewis in white shirt no 3, & red boots – Ruggerfest Tournament

· WPRA vs France Aug 2018 Lewis in blue shirt no 18 comes on at about 42 mins into game

· Ealing Trailfinders vs the Army in 2016 Lewis green & white shirt no 4 (highlights only)

· Ealing Trailfinders vs Cambridge LV Cup May 2016 – Orange and White shirt No 8 / scorer