FORMER Worcester Warriors wing James Stephenson has joined Greene King IPA Championship newcomers Ealing Trailfinders.

The 25-year-old used to play in the youth and mini section at Vallis Way and attended nearby St Benedict's School with last season's player of the year Arthur Ellis.

He scored three tries in 16 appearances at Sixways and was capped for England 7s at the Wellington and Las Vegas tournaments.

Stephenson links up with former Warrior George Porter.

"It is nice to back in London and back with some familiar faces and back at Ealing Trailfinders,” said Stephenson.

"I want to get some game time as I didn't play that much for Worcester last year and get the ball in my hands a little bit and try and find the form I had when I was with Bedford Blues in the Championship. That has got to be my motivation and to enjoy it a bit and enjoy my rugby.”

Stephenson's big break came with Blackheath, who he played for while studying at St Mary's College in Twickenham.

While at the Rectory Field, Mike Friday converted Stephenson from a flanker to wing and it paid huge dividends as he ran in 30 tries in 47 appearances.

Stephenson then moved to Bedford Blues and scored 16 tries in 22 Championship appearances which earned him a contract with Worcester Warriors.

He is aware that with the likes of Wilson, Phil Chesters, Chris Kinloch, James Love, Luke Daniels and Rhys Crane in the squad competition for the two wing places will be fierce.

"Ealing Trailfinders have made some really good signings this year,” he said.

"Competition is what makes a good Greene King IPA Championship squad, so it is important to have that competitiveness and an environment where players are pushing each other.

"It is not about just surviving this year. From what I can see and what I've heard it is about pushing the top-end Championship sides.

"We don't want to be overly ambitious, but we want to believe that we aren't just here to fight it out at the bottom.”