The Rugby Players Association (RPA) is proud to announce Abi Burton has been elected Chair of its first ever Women’s Rugby Board, with Jenny Hesketh elected Vice Chair, representing players for the remainder of the 2025–26 season.

As confirmed in June, RPA members voted in favour of establishing separate Men’s and Women’s Rugby Boards. This step reflects the RPA’s continued commitment to delivering dedicated representation and wellbeing support for every elite player across the game. By creating two Boards, players in both the men’s and women’s environments will benefit from tailored, player-led representation that responds directly to the specific challenges and opportunities they face.

The Women’s Rugby Board representatives for the 2025–26 season are:

Bristol Bears: Jenny Hesketh (Vice Chair)

Exeter Chiefs: Emily Tuttosi

Gloucester Hartpury: Sam Monaghan

Harlequins: Lagi Tuima

Leicester Tigers: Grace Deane

Loughborough Lightning: Elis Martin

Sale Sharks: Tysh Harper

Saracens: Ella Wyrwas

Trailfinders Women: Abi Burton (Chair)

Speaking on her election as Chair, Abi Burton said: “I’m really proud to have been elected Chair of the first Women’s Rugby Board. It’s an important opportunity to ensure players’ voices are heard, and I’m looking forward to working with the Board and the RPA to represent players across the women’s game.”

Following her appointment as Vice Chair, Jenny Hesketh said: “I’m really excited to take on the role of Vice Chair, supporting Abi and helping to bring together the voices of the Board as a collective. We want to create an open space for new conversations and ensure the Board represents the diversity of players and experiences across our clubs.”

All representatives are currently undertaking tailored board training through a bespoke programme developed for the RPA, funded by the Sports Governance Academy and delivered by the Chartered Governance Institute. This investment ensures every Board member is equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to contribute effectively, strengthening the depth and professionalism of player representation across the women’s game.

Rachael Burford, RPA Head of Women’s Rugby, added: “I am truly thrilled to announce the establishment of our inaugural Women’s Rugby Board. This exceptional group embodies a remarkable diversity of backgrounds and experiences that will undoubtedly enhance our efforts and strengthen our commitment to the women’s game. Their unique perspectives will play a vital role in ensuring we represent and advocate for all players. I would also like to congratulate Abi Burton and Jenny Hesketh on their election as Chair and Vice Chair, and I look forward to working closely with them as the Board begins its work.”

Ealing Trailfinders claimed their eleventh win of the season against Cambridge after a 68-17 at Trailfinders Sports Club.

Braces from Deago Bailey, Gabriel Mann and Matt Cornish helped secure all five points for the hosts.

The result leaves Trailfinders nine points clear at the top of the Champ Rugby table, the only unbeaten side in the competition.

It was an electric start at Trailfinders Sports Club, with Ealing Trailfinders getting on the board inside the opening two minutes. After multiple pick and go phases on the Cambridge try line, George Worboys spotted some space out wide and delivered a well-timed miss pass which allowed Bailey to walk in.

Trailfinders were back inside the visitors’ 22 shortly after. This time a gap opened up for Sam Edwards. He picked up the ball at the back of a ruck and darted through the hole. Worboys added the extra two to double the lead.

A scrappy 15 minutes followed, until Will Parry broke the game open again. He battered through two Cambridge defenders to set up a two-on-one with the fullback to put his centre partner Geordie Gwynn away.

Kyle Hatherell scored the bonus-point try, after a rampaging run from 25 metres through the middle of the Blood and Sand defence, shaking off players as he dived over the line.

Gabriel Mann finished the half with a flourish, Bailey intercepted on halfway and offloaded to the back-rower as he cantered in down the right-hand side.

Half-time: Ealing Trailfinders 35-0 Cambridge

After the break, it was Cornish who was up to his old tricks, two powerful rolling maul tries sandwiched a score Taitusi Qaniuci which got Cambridge on the board.

Approaching the final quarter of the match, Rory Scannell sent a delightful cross-field kick out the right wing, the ball bounced and Bailey got his hands on the ball first. He raced to the line to score his brace.

Replacement Harry Thompson had a dream start to life in green. An overthrown Cambridge lineout landed right in the hooker’s hands, he made a 5-metre dash to whitewash and dotted down.

Two lates tries for the visitors wasn’t enough for them to get anything from the game. Ben Ward’s men had the final say; Mann crossed for his second of the afternoon as the clock ticked into red.

Full-time: Ealing Trailfinders 68-17 Cambridge

Ealing Trailfinders:

Tries – Deago Bailey 2 56, Sam Edwards 10, Geordie Gwynn 26, Kyle Hatherell 33, Gabriel Mann 36 80, Matt Cornish 42 50, Harry Thompson 61

Conversions – George Worboys 3 11 27 34 37 43 51 62 80

Yellow Cards – PJ Sheck 5 Michael Dykes 78

Cambridge:

Tries – Taitusi Qaniuci 45, Eli Caven 76, Vereimi Qorowale 79

Conversions – Jamie Annand 47