Irish hooker Tadgh McElroy has signed for Championship side Ealing Trailfinders ahead of the 2021/22 season.
The 24-year-old has spent the last 12 weeks of last season on a trial with Bristol Bears to cover a shortage of hookers at the club with Harry Thacker still working his way back from surgery on his neck until the final weeks of the campaign and hooker Bryan Byrne undergoing surgery on his knee.
In the end Bears director of rugby Pat Lam acted swiftly to bring in one cap Scottish international Jake Kerr who had been released by Leicester Tigers.
Lam is understood to be in discussion with Kerr about extending his time at the club with Byrne set to miss the start of next season with his injury and George Kloska converting from hooker to loosehead prop.
McElroy previously represented Connacht Academy, Ireland U20s, Saracens and spent the 2018/19 season out on loan at Bedford Blues where he made 15 appearances.
Speaking ahead of his move McElroy said: “I think that the club is on a very special journey and it’s one that I want to be a part of.
"I’m excited to meet my new teammates and everyone involved at the club. The Ealing Trailfinders fans have stood out to me with their loyal support, both at home and away.”
McElroy will join former Bristol hooker Shaun Malton, prop Lewis Thiede and utility back Luke Daniels at Trailfinders who will play in the Championship again next season having lost 117-15 on aggregate over the two-legged play-off final.
Ealing Trailfinders director of rugby, Ben Ward said: “Tadgh joins us after a 12-week spell with Bristol Bears where he has impressed the coaches.
"We have been looking at him for some time now and we’re excited to see him join up with the squad and show what he can do on the pitch.
"He brings great physicality to his game and is a threat across the pitch, as well as his accuracy at the lineout.”
