Munster Rugby prop joins English Champ leaders on loan deal

MUNSTER Rugby prop Mark Donnelly has joined English Championship Rugby side Ealing Trailfinders on a short-term loan,

Twenty four-year-old Donnelly joins a number of former Munster players, Rory Scannell, Scott Buckley and Patrick Campbell who have become regular starters for Trailfinders in the green jersey.

Donnelly's short-term deal at the Champ leaders will continue until January 4, 2026.

The talented prop was part of the Trailfinders squad which thumped Camobridge 68-17 in the English Champ on Saturday at the Trailfinders Sports Ground.

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Mark Donnelly has represented Ireland at U18 and U20 age-grade levels and became part of Munster’s senior squad in 2024 after coming through the academy system.

He was one of twelve players to make their senior Munster debuts in the bonus-point Champions Cup win over Wasps in December 2021.

On signing for the Club on a short-term loan, Donnelly told the Ealing Trailfinders website: “I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity to play for Ealing Trailfinders.

“Meeting everyone and a few familiar faces from Munster has been really enjoyable so far. I’m looking forward to getting out there and hopefully having a positive impact on the group.”

Director of Rugby Ben Ward added: “We thank Munster for helping us out by letting Mark come to us over the Christmas period. The Irish players at Trailfinders speak very highly of him and what he can bring to the field.

“We’re looking forward to having Mark at Ealing Trailfinders even if it’s for a short period of time.”