We are pleased to announce that fly-half Richie Simpson has joined the Club ahead of next season.

The 22-year-old makes the move from Glasgow Warriors after two seasons with the Scottish outfit, he has also featured for Scotland at age-grade level.

Simpson made a name for himself during the 2023 U20 Six Nations, playing a pivotal role and putting in strong performances across Scotland’s campaign.

The fly-half, electric with ball in hand, will add important depth to the Trailfinders squad in the number ten position.

On signing for the Club, Simpson said: 

“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Ealing Trailfinders. It’s a Club that has experienced a lot of success recently, and it’s a place I’ve heard lots of good things about.

“I’m looking forward to coming down and hopefully contributing to more success in the future.”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, commented: 

“Richie has shown really good potential during his time with Glasgow and Scotland U20s. He’s an exciting player and I’m looking forward to seeing him continue to develop next season.”

We are delighted to confirm that Ellie Boatman has signed a new contract with the club.

The 28-year-old winger, who hails from Surrey, brings a wealth of Premier 15s experience, having previously represented Saracens, Richmond, Wasps, and Harlequins.

An explosive back with proven finishing ability, Boatman has also been a standout performer on the international Sevens circuit. She has represented both England and GB Sevens, most notably winning gold at the 2023 European Games in Kraków and being selected for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

A dangerous runner in space with lightning acceleration, she adds vital composure and unpredictability in the wide channels.

Speaking on re-signing, Boatman said:

I’m really excited to be focusing on Trailfinders Women this coming season. I’m proud of my journey in Sevens, and that chapter of my career, but I’m looking forward to bringing all that to Fifteens and Trailfinders.

“The environment here is ambitious and professional, and I’m looking to being part of a group that’s pushing standards every week.”

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added:

Ellie has been a brilliant addition to our squad. Her pace, experience, and Sevens background make her a constant threat, and she brings real composure on and off the pitch.”

 

Ealing Trailfinders can announce that fly-half Craig Willis is to depart after seven years with the Club.

After signing in 2018 from Newcastle Falcons, Willis didn’t take long to assume the number ten shirt, guiding the team to Championship Cup glory in his first season, overcoming London Irish in a tense final.

He played a pivotal role in the Ealing Trailfinders’ first Championship-winning season, scoring 143 points on his way to clinching the title in 2021-22.

The ever-present playmaker won two further Championship titles with Trailfinders in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, and helped the side to consecutive Premiership Cup Semi Finals.

After making an incredible 132 appearances for the Club, including 100 starts, Willis bows out after scoring 936 points and 15 tries.

However, Willis’ impact on the Club stretches further than on the rugby field, and he will be missed around Trailfinders Sports Club by his teammates, coaches and staff.

Speaking about his time at the Club, Willis said:

“My seven years at Ealing Trailfinders have been amazing, coming away with three Championship titles and so many of my favourite career highlights so far fills me with pride.

“I want to thank all the players and staff I’ve worked with, and the supporters, for making my time at Trailfinders so enjoyable. We have experienced countless highs and the occasional lows on and off the field.

“I’m looking forward to a new challenge, but I won’t be a stranger and look forward to watching the club continue to grow!”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, added:

“Craig has had an incredible impact on this Club. He’s been the person in the driving seat at number ten for the majority of his time here, and he’s led us to many trophies. He’s incredibly tough, never takes a backward step, but also incredibly inventive with our attack and his outstanding kicking game.

“He’s always been an incredibly positive character around Trailfinders Sports Club. He’s enjoyable to be around, but you’ve got a true competitor on the field as well. He’s someone who cares incredibly about this team. As players have come and gone, he’s been a constant through every success we’ve had.

“The qualities that he possesses have helped shape Ealing Trailfinders’ over the last number of years, and he can be incredibly proud of that. What he’s brought to the environment has been unique. He will always be welcome back here, and I’m not sure whether this is the end of his time at this Club.”

Everyone at Ealing Trailfinders would like to thank Craig for his contribution to the Club over the past seven seasons, and we wish him all the best in the next stage of his rugby career.

We are delighted to confirm the signing of hooker Harry Thompson ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The 21-year-old signs from Sale Sharks. He rose through their academy ranks, being involved with the club from the age of 15.

Thompson has experience playing in the Premiership Rugby Cup over the last three seasons, and has made two appearances in the Gallagher Premiership.

He has also gained experience and had valuable game time on loan at Sedgley Tigers over the past two years.

On joining the Club, Thompson said: 

“I’m really looking forward to joining Ealing Trailfinders and can’t wait to get started. It’s a team that’s had a lot of success in recent years. Speaking with people at the Club, I think our goals align.

“This is a start to my new chapter, and I’m super excited to be part of the future here.”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, added: 

“Harry is an exciting young talent, and we’re looking forward to seeing him make an impact at Trailfinders. He adds important depth at hooker, and we’re pleased he’s signed with us to continue his growth.”

We are delighted to announce the signing of Emma Wassell, an experienced Scottish international with an outstanding record at the highest level.

Born in Aberdeen, the 67-time capped Scotland international has been a pillar of consistency for her national side since making her debut against Ireland in the 2014 Six Nations. Her incredible durability saw her start 54 consecutive international matches – a record-breaking streak that only ended in April 2022 due to a wrist injury.

Wassell played a pivotal role in Scotland’s qualification for the 2021 Rugby World Cup, helping the team secure their first appearance at the tournament since 2010.

Wassell previously represented Loughborough Lightning in the PWR, making 28 appearances for the African Violets before departing earlier this year.

In September 2024, Wassell was diagnosed with a tumour in her chest, which following a subsequent sternotomy meant she had to sit out the 2024/25 PWR season to focus on her rehabilitation. In May 2025, she was named in the Scotland training squad for the Rugby World Cup.

Known for her exceptional work rate and strength at the set-piece, she brings invaluable experience to Trailfinders Women’s pack.

On signing with Trailfinders, Wassell said:

“I’m really excited to be joining the Club. It’s a new chapter for me, and I’m really excited to play amongst some incredible players, it seems like a lot of fun down there. The team play a really exciting brand of rugby – and I want a piece of it!

“I’ve had a bit of a rough season to say the least, and I just cannot wait to get back out there playing rugby with some incredible girls. I want to push myself, be challenged with the competition at the club, but also enjoy it.”

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added:

“Emma is a world-class operator in the second row. Her experience, consistency, and leadership will be a huge asset to the squad, and we’re thrilled to have her on board.”

We are proud to confirm the signing of forward Kyle Hatherell ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The 30-year-old joins from Leicester Tigers and brings a wealth of experience across top leagues, including spells with La Rochelle, Worcester Warriors, Jersey Reds.

A versatile option who can operate in the back-row and second-row, Hatherell is known for his physicality, work rate and leadership qualities.

Hatherell was born in South Africa and played his age-grade rugby for The Sharks in Durban before making the switch to the U.K.

On joining the Club, Hatherell said: 

“I’m extremely grateful to be joining up with Ealing Trailfinders next season. I spoke with Ben (Ward) and our interests aligned, and my playing style suited what the Club was after.

“Trailfinders are a very successful team and I can’t wait to get stuck in. I want to show everyone who has put their faith in me that I mean business!”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, added: 

“Kyle’s CV speaks for itself. He’s played at the top level and brings great experience. His versatility is key, and we believe he’ll have a big impact on and off the pitch.”

Steven Shingler will join the Scotland Rugby Women’s national team on secondment for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

Shingler joined the Trailfinders Women coaching team as an assistant coach for the 2024/25 season and made an immediate and transformative impact on the team’s attacking play, helping drive a rise in tries scored – 80 in total, up from 53 the previous season.

Speaking on Shingler joining up with the team, Scotland Rugby Head Coach Bryan Easson said:

“This does now present an exciting opportunity to reset and refresh our coaching team. We’re very grateful to Trailfinders Women for working with us to bring Steve into our environment.

“We welcomed Steve into camp during this year’s Six Nations and we were really impressed by him then. We have several players at Trailfinders, including some of our key attacking players, who have a fantastic relationship with him already and know what he’s about which will give us a smooth transition.”

Head Coach Barney Maddison said:

“We’ve got a good relationship with Scotland Rugby, and their request to have Shings join them for the World Cup is both testament to the way our attack went last year and the influence he has on that, as well as his own growing reputation in the game.”

“With Max [Bodilly] coming in on the coaching team, we’re setup really well to support opportunities for our people to develop, and both Max and Shings will no doubt benefit both professionally and personally from this period.

“We wish Shings and the team all the best for the tournament and look forward to him bringing back that experience when he joins back up with us.”

We are thrilled to announce the signing of Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm.

A modern back-row player, Malcolm is known for her relentless work rate, defensive prowess, and exceptional leadership on and off the field.

Born in Glasgow, Malcolm previously represented Scotland in hockey at U17, U18, and U21 levels before switching to rugby in her mid-twenties.

Quickly rising through the ranks, Malcolm made her Scotland debut in a 2016 Rugby World Cup qualifier against Spain, before earning her first start in the 2017 Six Nations. Since then, she has amassed 56 international caps, having also captain the side since 2020. Hailed as one of the “great Scotland captains”, she has been a driving force for her nation ever since.

At club level, Malcolm recently departed Loughborough Lightning, having represented the side since their inaugural Premier 15s season in 2017/18. She made 67 appearances for the club and played her final match against Trailfinders at Franklin’s Gardens in February.

Towards the end of her time at Loughborough, she combined her playing career with a player-coach role, assisting head coach Nathan Smith in developing the next generation of talent.

On signing for Trailfinders Women, Malcolm said:

“I’m super excited for a new experience down in London. This move had to be right for me as a person as well as a rugby player. I wanted to go somewhere where I can challenge myself and strive to be the best player I can be.

“The exciting group of players that have been put together is one I’m excited to learn from, and hopefully one that I can add too as well.”

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added:

“Rachel brings immense leadership, experience, and a tireless work ethic. She is a fantastic addition to our squad, and we are excited to see the impact she will have.”

We are thrilled to announce the signing of explosive back Toby Cousins from Northampton Saints. 

The 20-year-old has already compiled an impressive résumé, having represented England at multiple age-grade levels.

A dynamic and powerful runner, the winger was part of the 2023 U20 Six Nations squad and helped England to victory in the 2024 U20 World Cup in South Africa.

Cousins has gained senior experience in the Premiership Rugby Cup and spent this season on loan at Bedford, where he impressed, and featured in their recent win over Trailfinders.

Speaking on his move, Cousins said:

“I’m really looking forward to joining Ealing Trailfinders, who have been such a successful and dominant Club in the Championship. It’s a Club that I’ve been watching over the past few years, and they play such an exciting style and brand of rugby.

“I’m excited to learn from the experienced players in the squad. I can’t wait to be a part of this team.”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, added: 

“Toby’s a hugely talented young player. He’s strong, skilful and brings real intent with ball in hand. We’re delighted he’s chosen to continue his development at Trailfinders.”

Ealing Trailfinders are thrilled to confirm the signing of second-row forward Josh Caulfield from Bristol Bears.

The 27-year-old is a seasoned performer with experience across the Premiership and Championship.

Caulfield made over 100 appearances for Cornish Pirates, where he was named Players’ Player of the Year in 2021-22. He has also featured for Exeter Chiefs, Wasps and London Irish.

He was part of the England U20 side that won the Grand Slam in 2017. The second-row brings both line-out expertise and leadership to the Trailfinders pack.

On joining the Club, Caulfield said:

“I’m super excited to be making the move to Ealing Trailfinders and can’t wait to get started. I believe this Club should be competing in the top flight of English rugby.

“I want to push this team forward, and I’m looking forward to joining such an exciting project.”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, commented:

“Josh is a fantastic addition. He’s got loads of experience and is a real asset at the line-out. His work rate and character will be hugely valuable to us.”

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