Esher's National Division One promotion hopes have been dealt a blow before the season has started with the confirmed departure of full back Luke Daniels to title favourites Ealing Trailfinders.

The 22-year-old South African has starred at Molesey Road for the past three seasons and notched 267 points last term - earning himself the number 15 shirt in The Rugby Paper's National Division One dream team - as Esher finished fifth in the table.

And Ealing director of coaching Ben Ward was understandably delighted to land a player who has also collected England Counties U20 and Surrey U20 representative honours.

"Luke's running game will certainly excite the fans next season,” he said.

"He has a good brain combined with electric pace and he is one to watch. On top of this he is a prolific goal kicker.”