It is the time of year we take a breather, take stock and celebrate the festivities. Christmas and New Year mean no rugby for the next few weeks, and a chance for the lads to show their discipline by not overdoing the food and drink.
To round up a fantastic 2025, we catch up with head coach Phil 'Smudger' Smith to look back on a year which ended with all four 1871 teams winning before heading off for the Twelve Pubs of Ealing.
We talk players, matches, what he wants in his stocking (Ealing Trailfinders 1871 pyjamas), and what we can look forward to when it starts in the new year.
Merry Christmas and Bleed Green.
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