Trailfinders Women help Fight For Sight campaign to sell eight tonnes of clothing

Trailfinders Women support Fight For Sight’s Ealing Fashion Drop campaign

Fight For Sight is a charity on a mission to Save Sight. Change Lives. They fund scientific and social research into vision loss and they have 14 charity shops across London, including one in Ealing Broadway.

Fight for Sight are always grateful for donations to their shops, but when an online retailer donated a huge 8 tonnes of new-with-tags fashion, it enabled them to do something really special in Ealing. Their Ealing Fashion Drop was set up with the aim of saving these clothes from landfill in four weeks.

To support this ambitious undertaking, some of our Trailfinders Women players went to the shop on Ealing Broadway, to check out the stock and support the campaign. Local sustainable stylist, Sarah Sole from Sourced Studio helped pick out some pieces for the players, who modelled their outfits at iconic locations around Ealing Broadway.

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby at the Club, said: 

“As a club, we believe our responsibilities within the community go far beyond the pitch. We want to lift up our community, and that means standing alongside the organisations that are making a real difference to people’s lives.

“Fight for Sight’s work is a huge contributor to supporting those living with sight loss, and we’re proud to play our part in raising awareness and backing their campaign.”

Phil Beavan, Director of Retail at Fight for Sight said:

“It was such a joy to have the players come down to Fight for Sight, Ealing. Their positivity and support brought a fantastic atmosphere to the shop and shows that these aren’t just professional sports people, they’re big-hearted members of our community. And of course, they all looked fabulous in the pieces they picked out for our shoot around Ealing Broadway!”

Trailfinders Women fly-half Isla Norman-Bell said:

“The community always shows up for us, and it’s important for us as a club to back the people and causes around us.

“Helping Fight for Sight raise awareness is a small way we can contribute to work that matters, and being involved is something that feels meaningful to us.”

Want to get new-with-label bargains and support the campaign yourself, which runs until Sunday 21st Sept)? Head down to the shop in Ealing Broadway at 2 The Broadway, London W5 2NH.

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Kyle Hatherell on London life and upcoming fixture against Chinnor

Back row Kyle Hatherell talks London life and the anticipation for a physical battle against Chinnor. 

Experienced back rower Hatherell signed for the Club ahead of the 2025/26. Born in South Africa, Hatherall grew up watching northern hemisphere rugby.

After playing his age-grade rugby with the Sharks in Durban, he has played at several northern hemisphere clubs in his adult career including Worcester Warriors, La Rochelle, and Leicester Tigers.

Hatherell can move between lock and back row but starts at eight in the first pre-season fixture against Chinnor.

“I’m really excited for this fixture,” Hatherell said.

“Pre-season has been tough. The standard of training has been really high, which I’ve enjoyed. Everyone’s working hard.

“There have been lot of long, hard training days, but it’s all building up so you can play rugby. To get an opportunity to play in the first game is great.”

 

“I don’t think you can ever simulate match fitness by not actually playing a game, but we’ve been working hard on and off the pitch.”

2025/26 is the second season that Chinnor are included in Champ Rugby. Hatherell is looking forward to a physical battle upfront on Friday night.

“I’d say most teams, especially from a forwards point of view, always want to be physical.

“We’re expecting some big collisions, which I quite enjoy. I think they’ll just be up for it just like we will. Chinnor have also been working hard, waiting for these days to come where we can actually play rugby.

“I’ve enjoyed the training and the environment so far so I’m looking to getting stuck in.”

Having relocated to west London from the East Midlands ahead of this season, as a coffee fanatic, Hatherell has been enjoying the diverse food and drink culture that London has to offer.

“I’ve moved around a fair bit with rugby but it’s been good. I’m enjoying London,” Hatherell said. “The setup at Ealing is really good as well.

“I like to branch out and try new places, but I wouldn’t really say that I’ve found a go-to coffee place yet. Especially having so many different places to explore. At the moment, I’m just picking a part of London, make my way there, and then find a good coffee shop.”

Whilst a coffee crawl is on his to-do list during his time-off from training, Hatherell has some places in mind to explore across the city.

“I have a list of all these viral places that I’d like to go to, and then on our days off, pick one and and see if it’s close enough.”

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Lineup: Chinnor vs Ealing Trailfinders

Ealing Trailfinders name their lineup to play preseason fixture against Chinnor.

Scott Buckley will lead the side from hooker in the first runout of the season. Elliot Chilvers and Adam Nicol pack down either side of him in the front row.

Matas Jurevicius and George Shaw are set to start in the second row.

Kyle Hatherell will pull on the Trailfinders jersey for the first time, starting at number eight. Jamie Carr and Siya Ningiza complete the back row.

Michael Stronge and George Worboys occupy the halfback positions.

The same centre partnership that finished last season, Geordie Gwynn and Francis Moore, will combine once again on Friday.

There’s a fresh look to the back three with new signings Toby Cousins and Deago Bailey on the wings. and Patrick Campbell is at fullback.

Summer recruits Gabriel Mann, Sam Edwards and Richie Simpson are amongst the replacements.

Kick-off is at 19:45 on Friday 12th September at Chinnor RFC.

Starting XV:

15. Patrick Campbell

14. Deago Bailey

13. Geordie Gwynn

12. Francis Moore

11. Toby Cousins

10. George Worboys

9. Michael Stronge

1. Elliot Chilvers

2. Scott Buckley (c)

3. Adam Nicol

4. Matas Jurevicius

5. George Shaw

6. Jamie Carr

7. Siya Ningiza

8. Kyle Hatherell

Replacements:

16. Matt Cornish

17. James Kenny

18. Kyle Whyte

19. Geordie Irvine

20. Gabriel Mann

21. Sam Edwards

22. Richie Simpson

23. Michael Dykes

24. Rob Farrar

Trailfinders Sign Experienced Centre Rory Scannell

Ealing Trailfinders are delighted to announce the signing of centre Rory Scannell. 

Scannell will bring a wealth of experience to Trailfinders. He joins from Munster having spent a decade with the Irish outfit, and he has three international caps for Ireland.

He played a key role as an experienced centre when Munster won the 2023 URC title, featuring 13 times throughout their league campaign.

Whilst Scannell primarily plays inside centre, he can move fluidly between fly-half and outside-centre, providing a range of options in the midfield.

On signing for the Club, Scannell said: 

“I’m excited about joining Ealing Trailfinders. There’s a great squad here with a mix of youth and experience.

“I’m hoping to add my own experience to the team and give our supporters plenty to cheer about for the season ahead.”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, said:

“Rory will bring a huge amount of experience to our squad this season. He’s a powerful ball carrier with good distribution and will give us options at fly-half and centre.

“Having been at Munster for the last decade, we’re looking forward to him bringing his knowledge and what he’s learnt from that environment to ours.”

Ealing Trailfinders Announce Club Captains for the 2025/26 Season

Ealing Trailfinders are delighted to announce that Angus Kernohan has been named as Club Captain. 

Kernohan, who joined the Club in 2020, has grown as a leader amongst the group throughout his five years with the Club.

Last season, Kernohan co-captained Trailfinders to their third Championship title alongside Ollie Newman.

In addition to Kernohan’s reappointment, Mike Willemse and Jordy Reid have been named as Club Vice-Captains.

Both bring a wealth of experience to the role, Reid is currently in his second stint at Trailfinders and Willemse has been a staple in the squad since joining from London Irish in 2023.

On being named as Club Captain, Kernohan said: 

“I’m delighted to be captain again this year, I really enjoyed last year and think we built a really strong group, I’m hoping we can continue to grow and improve.

“This is a great club which I’m proud to represent and hopeful for another successful season.”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, added: 

“Angus and Ollie did a brilliant job as Co-Club Captain’s last year and I really enjoyed working with them. Ollie is currently in rehab, and we wish him a fast return to the pitch. I’m delighted that Angus will continue in the role.

“Alongside him are vice-captains Jordy and Mike, and all three players have the respect of the players and backroom staff. They will each bring their own unique qualities to the role, and we’re all looking forward to them leading us this season into a new-look Championship.”

Match Round-up: Harlequins Women vs Trailfinders Women

Round 2 of the PWR Cup at Horsham RFC proved a physical contest for both sides. 

Harlequins had a strong start with a quick opening score and backed up with a second in the first quarter. A third try for the home side extended the scoreline but Trailfinders were not to be shut out.

A fantastic lineout by Niamh Swailes set the driving maul going. The hooker held onto the ball in the maul and went over the line for Trailfinders’ first try.

The women in yellow quickly backed the first try up with a score from Charlie Holland to take the score to 19-10.

A third try before halftime for Trailfinders scored by Niamh Gallagher and a successful conversion by Emma Taylor ensured that there were only two points in it at half-time.

Half-time: 19-17

The hosts started quickly in the second half but Trailfinders fronted up with strong defence. But Harlequins muscle there way to a fourth try early in the second half.

Trailfinders immediately responded with a try from Hayley Jones. Again, another strong lineout throw set Trailfinders up for another driving maul and their fourth try.

Harlequins continued to run the ball through the phases and be physical in defence. They were rewarded with two more tries in the second half.

Full-time: Harlequins Women 38-22 Trailfinders Women 

Trailfinders Women: 

Tries: Niamh Swailes 29, Charlie Holland 35, Niamh Gallagher 40, Hayley Jones 57.

Conversions: Emma Taylor 40

Lineup: Harlequins Women vs Trailfinders Women

Trailfinders Women name their lineup ahead of Round 2 in the PWR Cup at Horsham RFC. 

Barney Maddison has named both Emma Taylor and Brooke Bradley as co-captains for Round 2, after both women led the side to a 60-12 win over Gloucester-Hartpury in Round 1 of the cup.

Maddison only makes one change in the starting XV for the fixture against Quins. Cara Brincat comes into the back row alongside Annabel Meta and Charlie Holland.

Try scorers from the match against Gloucester-Hartpury Grace White and Rosie Inman start on the wing. Alongside them in the centres is Jess Cooksey and Emma Uren. Niamh Gallagher retains her place at fullback.

Cana Williams and Niamh Swailes start in the front-row, they will both make their second appearance for the Club.

Two changes on the bench see Gabby Brown and Miça Evans brought into the side to face Harlequins who won their Round 1 fixtures against Exeter Chiefs.

Kick-off is at 14:00 on Sunday 7 September 2025 at Horsham RFC.

Starting XV:

15. Niamh Gallagher

14. Rosie Inman

13. Emma Uren

12. Jess Cooksey

11. Grace White

10. Isla Norman-Bell

9. Brooke Bradley (cc)

1. Cana Williams

2. Niamh Swailes

3. Cassandra Tuffnail

4. Emma Taylor (cc)

5. Amelia Buckland-Hurry

6. Cara Brincat

7. Charlie Holland

8. Annabel Meta

Replacements:

16. Hayley Jones

17. Miça Evans

18. Kira Leat

19. Gabby Brown

20. Scarlet Down

21. Ella Amory

22. Ellie Lennon

23. Vicky Laflin

Club reveal 2025/26 Away Kit

For the journey, on the trail. Introducing our 2025/26 away kit.

Our striking yellow and black away strip takes centre stage this season with a bold design that captures our team’s energy.

Celebrating our legacy as a London club, both kits this season detail iconic London landmarks at the bottom of the shirts amidst a vibrant yellow.

Fresh for the 2025/26 season, the men’s and women’s teams will wear the same away kit for the first time in the club’s history, with the kit also replicating the home kit by having our players’ names and numbers on the back of the shirts.

Trailfinders Women will debut the new away kit this Sunday in their Round 2 PWR Cup match against Harlequins at Horsham RFC.

 

FOLLOW THE TRAIL

Sophie Molton to captain Brunel BUCS Super Rugby women’s squad

Sophie Molton Named Captain of Brunel University Women’s Rugby Academy Ahead of Historic WBSR Season

Brunel University is proud to announce Sophie Molton as captain of its Women’s Rugby Academy for the team’s inaugural season in Women’s BUCS Super Rugby (WBSR)  — a major milestone in the university’s commitment to elite women’s rugby.

Sophie brings passion, experience and leadership to the role driving energy throughout the squad. A member of Trailfinders Women’s squad since their successful entry into the PWR, she exemplifies the high-performance pathway Brunel offers to ambitious student-athletes.

Brunel University stands out as the only university in London competing in the WBSR, offering a unique blend of academic excellence, world-class facilities, and direct links to professional rugby through its partnership with Trailfinders Women.

Speaking on her appointment, Molton said:

“I am really proud to have been given the opportunity to captain Brunel in their first ever season in WBSR. I have so much belief in the squad and what we are building at Brunel. We are all looking forward to playing in highly competitive fixtures against the other top universities in the country.”

“I have learnt a lot from coming through the academy at Trailfinders and training with the women’s team. Particularly aspects of leadership skills from players like Kate Zackary. There are so many great leaders on the team at Trailfinders.”

Brunel University Women’s Head Coach Abi Burton said:

“Sophie is a really exciting prospect and has shown that she is a strong and capable leader. With the inaugural season in BUCS Super Rugby, her leadership on and off the field will be incredibly important.

“I am excited to see what Sophie and the other players can achieve this season.”

Emma Cooper, the Women’s Academy Manager & U23s Coach, said:

“Brunel is building something special. With direct access to a PWR environment, outstanding coaching, and a strong support network, we provide one of the most competitive and complete performance pathways in the country. We have worked hard as a club to reach the top and Sophie is the perfect person to lead the team into what we believe is going to be a hugely successful season for Brunel.”

For players looking to study in London without compromising on their rugby ambitions, Brunel offers a best-in-class option,  combining education, elite training, and a clear route into the professional game.

 

Lineup: Trailfinders Women vs Gloucester-Hartpury

Trailfinders Women name their lineup ahead of Round 1 in the PWR Cup at Trailfinders Sports Club.

Barney Maddison has named lock Emma Taylor and scrum-half Brooke Bradley as co-captains for the opening fixture of the cup.

Recent signing Haidee Head starts in the back row alongside Annabel Meta and Charlie Holland. Holland returned to the field after rehabbing a long-term injury last weekend in a pre-season friendly against Richmond.

In the back line, Grace White starts on the wing after scoring four tries against Richmond last weekend. To partner her pace, new signing Isla Norman-Bell starts at fly-half.

On the bench are some familiar faces including Cara Brincat, Vicky Laflin and Ellie Lennon. Senior Academy players Crystal James and Scarlett Down are also amongst the replacements.

Kick-off is at 15:00 on Sunday 24 August 2025. Secure your ticket here.

Starting XV:

15. Niamh Gallagher

14. Rosie Inman

13. Emma Uren

12. Jess Cooksey

11. Grace White

10. Isla Norman-Bell

9. Brooke Bradley (cc)

1. Cana Williams

2. Niamh Swailes

3. Cassandra Tuffnail

4. Emma Taylor (cc)

5. Amelia Buckland-Hurry

6. Charlie Holland

7. Annabel Meta

8. Haidee Head

Replacements:

16. Hayley Jones

17. Crystal James

18. Kira Leat

19. Cara Brincat

20. Scarlet Down

21. Ella Amory

22. Ellie Lennon

23. Vicky Laflin

 

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