News - Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club

Scannell previews Edinburgh ‘A’ pre-season clash

Rory Scannell previews Ealing Trailfinders’ pre-season clash against Edinburgh ‘A’ in the Club’s first home game of 2026/27.

With Trailfinders’ pre-season fixture against Edinburgh ‘A’ just one month away, Rory Scannell spoke about his experiences against Edinburgh for Trailfinders, as well as in the URC during his time at Munster.

Touching on his performance last year at fly-half in his first game for Trailfinders, Rory said, ‘It was a great game to be involved in.’

‘I had only been here 2-3 weeks and was thrown straight in. But it was a great game against quality opposition. Plenty of new guys got a good run out.’

Rory spent eleven years at Munster before joining Trailfinders. The versatile back played against Edinburgh numerous times. He offered his thoughts about what areas of Edinburgh’s game stood out to him during that time.

‘They have a very physical pack with a strong maul and scrum with electric backs.

‘I played against them quite a lot and it never got any easier.’

Deago Bailey (left), Rory Scannell (right)

With the Trailfinders players now a month into pre-season, Rory outlined how the squad have been developing, from players old and new.

‘It’s been four weeks now and the new guys are pretty comfortable learning our attack and defence systems.

‘It’s just repeating bits of information day by day, and that’s coming together nicely now at the end of this four week block.’

Trailfinders face Edinburgh ‘A’ in their first home game of the season on Saturday 12 September. Rory added a word for fans in the lead up to the season.

‘We had great support last year particularly at home and a lot of long away trips as well, which was great to see a lot of Trailfinders supporters there.’

‘The play-offs didn’t go the way we wanted but it was great to see such a big crowd here on the day and hopefully we’ll see plenty of Trailfinders fans here at our first home game.’

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Features, News

Freddie Stevenson on Pre-Season Block One

Recent signing, Freddie Stevenson discusses block one of pre-season.

Bude-born lock Stevenson joined Ealing Trailfinders for the 2026/27 season. After an impressive showing with Plymouth Albion in National One, and previous stints with Caldy RFC during his time at the University of Liverpool, Stevenson is now in a full-time rugby environment for the first time in his playing career.

‘The transition into the Club has been really good,’ Stevenson said. ‘This is my fifth week now at Trailfinders and it’s been a different environment than what I’ve experienced before and it’s great.

‘I’ve got to know the guys really well and it’s been awesome so far.’

Trailfinders have been working hard on and off the pitch during pre-season training. The preparation is key for both players and staff ahead of a challenging upcoming Champ campaign.

‘The environment has been challenging. Pre-season has been tough but everyone has been working really hard.

‘I’m learning new things everyday, trying to get better and I’m loving it so far.’

Self-development and learning forms a large part of the culture at the Club. Stevenson has noticed how the eye for detail in the environment has impacted him and the other players.

‘The level of professionalism in this environment stood out to me in particular. Everyone is very diligent, from staff to coaches. There’s a lot of detail that we go into with everything that we do.

‘The second thing that has really stood out to me is also the culture of the Club. There is a great playing group here who are close on and off the field.’

Trailfinders continue their pre-season preparations ahead of two matches against URC teams Connacht and Edinburgh in early September.

Tickets for Ealing Trailfinders vs Edinburgh on Saturday 12 September are available to purchase now.

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News, Women's News

Jaecoo PWR Fixtures 26/27

The Jaecoo PWR fixtures have been confirmed ahead of the 2026/27 season

Trailfinders will open the campaign away at Loughborough Lightning on Friday the 20th November at Franklin’s Gardens (19:30 Kick-off).

We take on Saracens on Saturday 2nd January at Home in a repeat of last season’s PWR Final (15:00 Kick-off).

The first home game will be on Saturday the 28th November where we welcome Harlequins to Trailfinders Sports Club (19:00 Kick-off).

Our last home game of the regular season sees us welcome Gloucester-Hartpury to TFSC on the 20th May (Kick-off TBC).

Our last fixture of the regular season will be away to Saracens on Saturday 29th March (Kick-off TBC).

Dates and Kick-off times for Rounds 1-8 have been confirmed with an update to follow later in the season for following fixtures.

The full fixture list with dates and times can be found below:

November

Friday 20th – Loughborough Lightning (A) 19:30 Kick-off

Saturday 28th – Harlequins (H) 19:00 Kick-off *First home game

December

Friday 4th – Bristol Bears (H) 19:30 Kick-off

Sunday 13th – Leicester Tigers (A) 13:00 Kick-off

Saturday 19th – Bye week

January

Saturday 2nd – Saracens (H) 15:00 Kick-off

Sunday 10th – Exeter Chiefs (A) 13:00 Kick-off

Saturday 16th – Sale Sharks (H) 17:00 Kick-off

Saturday 23rd – Gloucester-Hartpury (A) Kick-off TBC

February

Saturday 6th – Loughborough Lightning (H) Kick-off TBC

Saturday 13th – Harlequins (A) Kick-off TBC

Saturday 20th – Exeter Chiefs (H) Kick-off TBC

Saturday 27th – Bristol Bears (A) Kick-off TBC

March

Saturday 13th – Leicester Tigers (H) Kick-off TBC

Saturday 20th – Gloucester-Hartpury (H) Kick-off TBC

Saturday 27th – Sale Sharks (A) Kick-off TBC

April

*No fixtures

May

Saturday 29th – Saracens (A) Kick-off TBC

June

Saturday 5th – Bye week

Saturday 12th – Semi-Final

Saturday 26th – PWR Final

Season Pass tickets are currently on sale and can be found here:

https://ealingtrailfinders.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/202627_womens_pass

News, Women's News

Six Trailfinders named in Red Roses Squad

Six Trailfinders have been named in the Red Roses squad for their upcoming pre-season training camp

England Head Coach John Mitchell has named his squad for the Red Roses pre-season training camp commencing on Monday the 3rd August.

The Six Trailfinders who are involved are:

Abi Burton (9 Caps)

Haidee Head (1 Cap)

Hayley Jones (Uncapped)

Annabel Meta (Uncapped)

Meg Jones (38 Caps)

Bo Westcombe Evans (2 Caps)

On the selection, Trailfinders Head Coach Barney Maddison said “We’re delighted to see six of our players feature in this training camp. We know how much ability they all have and it’s great to see that recognised on the International stage.”

“Hayley Jones and Annabel Meta are two fantastic products of the Brunel University pathway and are a real testament to all the great work that is happening throughout our eco-system, so it’s great to see them rewarded with Transition contracts.”

The Red Roses will be looking ahead to their upcoming WXV Global Series campaign which starts with England taking on Australia at Corpaq Stadium, Salford Saturday 16th September (3pm Kick-Off).

See below for the Red Roses Press Release with Trailfinders Women’s players highlighted.

RED ROSES 40-PLAYER WXV GLOBAL SERIES TRAINING SQUAD

ISSUED BY RFU

John Mitchell has selected a 40-player squad to kick-start the Red Roses’ WXV Global Series preparations.

The group – which contains 22 forwards and 18 backs – will assemble at the University of Nottingham on Monday 3 August for the start of pre-season training.

They will spend the first three weeks of pre-season in Nottingham before returning to London at the Lensbury ahead of their opening match of the series against Australia on Saturday 12 September, CorpAcq Stadium, Salford.

The Red Roses then take on Canada at Exeter’s Sandy Park a week later before ending their home leg of WXV fixtures at Allianz Stadium against New Zealand on Saturday 26 September.

Tickets for all three home matches can be purchased at englandrugby.com/tickets.

Mitchell said: “The naming of this squad is only the beginning; it’s not the reward.

“These 40 have been selected because we believe they have what it takes to build something real together as a squad; firstly, through building better connections to make us stronger, and then with how we want to play this game.

“We’re identifying the players who we think will buy into the Red Roses spirit; those who will elevate their connections, those who will develop their repeat physical capacity, and those who will approach their skillsets with enthusiasm and show the necessary hunger to compete under pressure. That’s the standard this programme is setting.

“We’re focused on building and playing lethal exciting rugby which requires us to train above the game level with an intensity that allows every selected player to adapt seamlessly into Test rugby when the moment comes.

“That’s what we do here, and it starts now!”

Red Roses squad for pre-season training

Forwards

Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 84 caps)
Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 62 caps)
Delaney Burns (Bristol Bears, 6 caps)
Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, 9 caps)
May Campbell (Saracens, 5 caps)
Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 28 caps)
Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 25 caps)
Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 94 caps)
Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 27 caps)
Bryony Field (Saracens, uncapped)
Keevy Fitzpatrick (Loughborough Lightning, uncapped)
Haidee Head (Trailfinders Women, 1 cap)
Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 8 caps)
Hayley Jones (Trailfinders Women, uncapped)
Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 32 caps)
Haineala Lutui (Loughborough Lightning, 4 caps)
Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 82 caps)
Annabel Meta (Trailfinders Women, uncapped)
Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 53 caps)
Marlie Packer (Harlequins, 116 caps)
Demelza Short (Bristol Bears, 4 caps)
Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 29 caps)

Backs

Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 49 caps)
Jess Breach (Saracens, 57 caps)
Millie David (Bristol Bears, 1 cap)
Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 70 caps)
Tatyana Heard (Sale Sharks, 36 caps)
Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 89 caps)
Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 38 caps)
Ellie Kildunne (Bristol Bears, 62 caps)
Amelia MacDougall (Saracens, uncapped)
Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 40 caps)
Carmela Morrall (Loughborough Lightning, uncapped)
Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 44 caps)
Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs, 5 caps)
Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 51 caps)
Jade Shekells (Gloucester-Hartpury, 4 caps)
Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 17 caps)
Mia Venner (Gloucester-Hartpury, 4 caps)
Bo Westcombe-Evans (Trailfinders Women, 2 caps)

News, Women's News

Trailfinders Women contract Extensions

Trailfinders Women have this week announced Thirteen contract extensions

The Club has confirmed the extension of the contracts of multiple players this week, alongside announcing the signing of Red Rose Bo Westcombe Evans.

The list of players includes double Olympians, Red Roses and World-Cup-winners alongside some emerging talent from our Brunel BUCS Super Rugby pathway.

The list is as follows:

Abi Burton (Back-Row)

Amanda Mcquade (Hooker)

Brooke Bradley (Scrum-Half)

Carys Cox (Wing/Centre)

Cristina Blanco (Hooker)

Ella Amory (Scrum-Half)

Grace White (Wing)

Haidee Head (Back-Row)

Jess Cooksey (Centre)

Julia Schell (Fullback)

Lisa Thomson (Centre)

Niamh Gallagher (Fullback)

Rosie Inman (Fullback)

Sally Williams (Back-Row)

*All other players will remain with the squad unless they have been previously announced as departing the Club.

News, Women's News

4 Trailfinders awarded Red Roses contracts

4 Trailfinders have been awarded Red Roses contracts for the 2026/27 season

John Mitchell has announced his squad of 36 contracted players for the 2026/27 season, which includes four Trailfinders players.

Abi Burton and Meg Jones have been awarded full time contracts. Jones and Burton have become central figures for Mitchell’s England side, with the former captaining the side to a grandslam Six Nations victory in her inaugural campaign as skipper. Burton is a stalwart of the side, playing a key role in that same campaign. She offers the versatility to play either at lock or in the Back-Row.

Hayley Jones and Annabel Meta have secured Transition contracts, meaning they will be given opportunities for progression to first-team appearances whilst benefitting from training with senior internationals in a highly professional and competitive environment.

WXV Global Series kicks off with the Red Roses taking on Australia at Corpaq Stadium, Salford on Saturday 16th September (3pm Kick-Off) where you’ll be able to see our Trailfinders stars in action!

News

Follow Your Trail: Ealing Trailfinders launch ‘The Trail Club’ on Strava

Ealing Trailfinders are delighted to launch The Trail Club, a new online community bringing supporters, players, staff, partners and the wider Ealing community together through movement and activity.

Hosted on Strava, The Trail Club is free to join and open to everyone, whatever your experience or ability. Whether you run, walk, cycle, train in the gym or enjoy any other form of exercise, every activity counts.

Members will be able to follow the progress of Trailfinders players and supporters, take part in regular challenges, celebrate milestones and stay connected with the club throughout the year.

The Trail Club launches alongside our new Follow Your Trail campaign, encouraging the Trailfinders community to get active, set their own goals and support one another along the way.

Headline sponsors of the Trailfinders Ealing Mini Mile

The campaign builds towards Ealing Half Marathon weekend in September, where Ealing Trailfinders will be headline sponsor of the Trailfinders Ealing Mini Mile.

The Mini Mile gives children and families the chance to be part of race weekend on a course of their own, and hundreds of young runners take part each year. With our community programmes already reaching thousands of local children every season, backing the Mini Mile was an easy decision. We want as many Trailfinders families as possible on that start line in September.

Trail Club members can get ready for the weekend with our dedicated Road to the Half challenge, whether they’re taking on the half marathon itself or cheering on a Mini Miler. And if racing isn’t your thing, you can keep contributing through whichever activities work for you.

Ian Isham, Head of Community at Ealing Trailfinders, said:

“The Trail Club is about bringing our community together and encouraging people to get moving in whatever way works for them.

“You don’t need to be an experienced runner or competitive athlete to get involved. It is open to everyone, and we hope it gives our supporters, players, staff and local community another way to connect, encourage each other and feel part of the Trailfinders family.

“Sponsoring the Trailfinders Ealing Mini Mile is a natural next step. We work with local schools and junior players all year round, so helping to put on a race that gets kids moving on Ealing Half Marathon weekend is exactly what the club is about.”

Take on the First Five Challenge

The Trail Club’s opening challenge will run from 3–9 August, with members challenged to record five activities during the week.

There is no minimum distance, pace or duration. Simply join the club, complete five activities and upload them to Strava. Any activity recorded through Strava will count.

Everyone who completes the challenge is entered into the draw to win a Nike x Trailfinders kit bundle, including one of the first 2026/27 season playing jerseys.

Follow Your Trail.

JOIN THE TRAIL CLUB ON STRAVA

News

EALING TRAILFINDERS TO HOST EDINBURGH ‘A’ IN PRE-SEASON FIXTURE

Ealing Trailfinders are delighted to announce that they will host Edinburgh ‘A’ in a pre-season fixture at Trailfinders Sports Club.

Trailfinders will welcome the Scottish outfit for a match ahead of their Champ Rugby campaign.

The men in green and white travelled to the Hive in the 2025/26 pre-season and this year, Edinburgh travel to West London for the reverse fixture.

Ealing Trailfinders will host Edinburgh ‘A’ on Saturday 12 September with kick-off at 15:00.

Director of Rugby Ben Ward said:

‘We’re really excited for this pre-season fixture against Edinburgh. They’re a very good side that we’re looking forward to testing ourselves against.

‘One of our leavers from last year Geordie Gwynn has joined Edinburgh for the upcoming season. We’re excited to welcome him back to Trailfinders Sports Club.

‘This game will be a great contest for us particularly ahead of a competitive Champ season starting on the following weekend.’

Match tickets for adults cost £10 and Season Ticket Holders go for free.

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News

PRE-SEASON FIXTURE: CONNACHT VS EALING TRAILFINDERS

Ealing Trailfinders will travel to Ireland to play URC side Connacht in a pre-season friendly.

On Saturday 5 September, Trailfinders will play their first pre-season fixture against Connacht.

The match will take place at Dexcom Stadium with a 5pm kick-off.

Director of Rugby Ben Ward said:

‘We are excited to travel over to Ireland and face Connacht as part of our pre-season preparation ahead of the challenging Champ season ahead.

‘The fixture will be a good challenge for us and help us to measure where we stand as a squad.’

News, Women's News

BO WESTCOMBE EVANS SIGNS FOR TRAILFINDERS

English winger Bo Westcombe Evans signs for Trailfinders ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Westcombe Evans moves to West London from the East Midlands after representing Loughborough Lightning in the PWR last season.

The winger finished the regular PWR 2025/26 season as joint top try-scorer with 12 tries in 16 appearances.

Westcombe Evans was awarded her first Red Roses cap in September 2024 and was recalled to the England squad for the most recent Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

She offers further depth, speed and versatility to the Trailfinders back three.

On signing for the Club, Westcombe Evans said:

“I’m extremely excited to join Trailfinders at a very exciting time for the Club.”

“I can’t wait to get started and hopefully compliment the team with my attacking ability.”

Head Coach Barney Maddison said:

“Bo is a very exciting player who we’ve admired for a while. She’s someone who will bring pace and try-scoring-ability to our side alongside having a positive impact on the squad off-field too.”

“She’s got bags of potential and Trailfinders is the perfect place for her to grow and develop as a player whilst also bringing her unique attacking flair to our exciting backline.”