Trailfinders are pleased to announce the signing of Mike Willemse.

Willemse is a South African hooker who joins having played most recently in the Premiership for London Irish where he made 15 appearances since signing in 2021.

In his first campaign with London Irish, he featured heavily, including playing in all six of their games during the Exile’s run to the 2022 Premiership Cup final, which they agonisingly lost in extra time.

Before coming to the U.K, the hooker was a dominant force in the southern hemisphere. He practiced his craft at Grey High School in Port Elizabeth.

2013 proved to be a breakout season for Willemse, scoring three tries in six starts during the Varsity Cup for the UCT Ikey Tigers.

He would then go on to be included in the South Africa U20s squad for the 2013 Junior World Championship where he played in three games, and scored twice against the United States.

In 2014, he was called up to the Stormers Super Rugby Squad and would go on to make four appearances before moving to the Eastern Province Kings, Golden Lions, and then the Southern Kings.

After eight tries and 42 appearances for Southern Kings, Willemse moved to Edinburgh for two seasons where he scored six times in 40 games, before then moving down to Irish.

After signing with Trailfinders, Willemse said: “I’m excited to get going with another ambitious club London.

“I’ve learned a lot since moving to the U.K and I’m looking forward to bringing that knowledge to Trailfinders as we hunt for silverware.”

Director of Rugby Ben Ward said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Mike to the pack. He will provide tremendous competition across the front row as well boosting our set-piece and being a force in the loose.

“It’s great to sign someone of his pedigree and he will be a fine addition to this group of players.”

Trailfinders Women are delighted to announce the signing of USA Eagle Meya Bizer.

The fly-half, who can also play in the centres or at fullback, will bring a wealth of experience from the 7s and 15s game, having been capped for the United States in both disciplines.

Bizer first picked up a rugby ball at the age of 16 and when the 7s residency programme was established in 2012, she decided to purse rugby as a career. Even before she turned 18, the American had received her first cap for 7s and then replicated this in 15s a couple of months later.

Since her first appearances, the 30-year-old has gone on to win 27 caps for the 15s team and 13 for the 7s side in an Eagles jersey. Her rugby has taken her to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and two World Cups, most recently in New Zealand last year where the United States reached the quarter-finals.

Following the World Cup, Bizer was one of five Eagles to sign with Premier 15s side DMP Sharks. In 12 appearances, she scored one try and picked up a star player award.

Recently, she was named in the Eagles traveling squad for their test against Spain, and for the 2023 Pacific Four Series. Bizer was in the starting line-up when her side beat Spain 20-14.

On signing with Trailfinders Women, Bizer said: “Last year was my first in the Premier 15s, and I wouldn’t trade that experience.

“This next season I’m beyond excited to be with Trailfinders. I’m honoured to be a part of something for its first year in the Prem.

“It’s a great opportunity to set the foundations for the direction the club wants to go in the future.”

Director of Women’s Rugby Giselle Mather said: “Meya is a very exciting player on both sides of the ball.

“Her physicality in defence makes her a fan favourite, and in attack she enjoys playing close to the line and has an eye for a gap. This, coupled with excellent offloading skills, makes her a constant threat to her opponents.

“We are very much looking forward to bringing her international experience, skill set and energy to TFSC.”

Trailfinders Women are pleased to have announced the signing of exciting back Sophie Ragg.

The centre, who is also more than comfortable playing on the wing, first started playing rugby after attending a Talent Transfer camp for the England 7s.

After impressing on the camp and then falling in love with the game, she begun to excel in both 7s and 15s which led to her being given the opportunity to study in America alongside her rugby.

She moved to Dartmouth College, where she spent five years studying Biology with a focus on Zoology and Environmental Conservation. During her time in New Hampshire, she was appointed joint captain of the first team and led the team to three National Championship Titles.

Since graduating she has been playing in the Premier Rugby 7s in America for the Pittsburg Steeltoes.

When speaking about moving to West-London, Ragg said: “I am so excited to be returning to England and playing for Trailfinders at what is such an exciting time for women’s rugby in this country.

“Joining this brand new team is such a great opportunity to create something incredible and I can’t wait to get started.”

Director of Women’s Rugby Giselle Mather said: “Sophie is a hugely driven, self-motivated athlete who is going to do great things in the Premier 15s.

“Her boundless energy and ability to see the positive in all situations, as well as her passion for hard work will make a huge impact at Trailfinders, both on and off the field. I can’t wait for her to get started!”

Trailfinders Women are delighted to announce the signing of French International Elisa Riffonneau.

The hooker, who has also played for France U20s, joins Abby DowLiz CrakeRowena BurnfieldKie Tamai and Tyson Beukeboom in bringing international experience to Trailfinders Sports Club next year.

Despite her quick rise to international honours, Riffonneau didn’t actually take up rugby until the age of 14, when she went to her local club, USJ. After loving it from the outset, her move to Rennes for high school allowed her to join Stade Rennais rugby club.

Stade Rennais have several sides, with their first team competing in Élite 1, the top league for women’s rugby in France; another side in the French third division and then an U18s and an U15s level.

Riffonneau has been playing at Stade Rennais for the last five seasons, slowly progressing through their various sides. Last season, when she had finished school, she was called up to and was capped by the French U20s side before she then was part of the French wider training squad ahead of last year’s World Cup.

Despite not being named in the final 32, Riffonneau did then make her French debut earlier this year, as she played against Ireland in April in the Tik Tok Women’s Six Nations.

As well as playing rugby next year, Riffonneau will also be studying at Brunel University, further cementing the link between the West London uni and the club.

When speaking about joining the club, Riffonneau said: “I’m very happy to be joining Trailfinders as I take on this new adventure.

“Having only really played in France before, I’m looking forward to discovering these new experiences and testing myself in English rugby”.

Director of Women’s Rugby Giselle Mather said: Elisa has made outstanding progress this season and will join us brimming with confidence.

“To gain her first French cap in the front row at such a young age is a remarkable achievement and we can’t wait to help her continue that upward development curve and to see her challenge herself in the Premier15s.”

Ealing Trailfinders are proud to announce the arrival of Henry Walker in West London ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The hooker has represented his country at age grade level, playing for England U16s and U18s as well as earning his first cap for England U20s back in February 2017 against Italy.

He started his career at Old Silhillians RUFC at the age of six and captained his school during his time at Bromsgrove.

Walker, a graduate of the Gloucester Rugby Academy, went on to make 63 competitive appearances for the Cherry & Whites following his debut against Barbarians in 2015.

The hooker was also part of the squad that travelled to the 2018 World Rugby U20 Championship in France, where they finished runners-up, losing 25-33 to the hosts in the final.

Upon signing with Trailfinders, Henry Walker said: “I am incredibly excited to start this next chapter of my career at Trailfinders and am relishing this new challenge that awaits in London.

“Trailfinders’ recent successes speaks for itself and I think it is the perfect place to develop my game. I can’t wait to get started!”

Director of Rugby Ben Ward said: “I’m looking forward to working with Henry.

“He’s impressed when he had his opportunities at Gloucester and I’m sure he will adapt to our style of play very well.”

Ealing Trailfinders are thrilled to announce the signing of Sami Mavinga ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The loosehead prop joins Trailfinders following his spell at French Pro D2 side US Carcassone.

Mavinga brings a wealth of experience to the club having started his career at the Lyon OU academy at the age of 13.

He played with Lyon for several seasons and helped his side gain promotion to the Top 14 in 2016 and the following season, represented his club in the European Challenge Cup.

After gaining promotion and getting a taste for European rugby, Mavinga moved to England to play for Newcastle Falcons in 2017. He stayed on Tyneside for two seasons, before making a return to the Top 14, this time with Stade Francais.

Most recently, the Frenchman played for Perpignan before signing with US Carcassone.

On joining Trailfinders, Mavinga said: “I’m delighted to return to England and join with Ealing Trailfinders.

“I have loved my time being back home in France but I am really excited to join a club like Trailfinders. They have had a huge amount of success in recent years and I hope I can help this club to continue to excel.”

Director of Rugby Ben Ward said: “I am really looking forward to seeing what Sami brings to the team.

“He has experience of playing in both France and England an I am confident he will enable us grow this club in the right direction.”

The signing of Sami Mavinga follows on from scrum-half Lloyd Williams and prop Brad Thyer both joining from Cardiff Rugby.

 

Ealing Trailfinders can confirm that players Lefty Zigiriadis, Harry Dugmore, Tom Georgiou and Epi Rokodrava will join Cornish Pirates on loan this season.

The young players are going on loan to our Championship rivals to compete for more game time which should aid their development.

Lefty joined the academy in 2020 and has flourished in West-London. He was awarded Player’s Player for the Men’s Academy this year and he made his first team debut in March in our win against Pirates.

Harry has just graduated from the academy after spending four years at Brunel and has been a key part of the team that made it to the BUCS playoff final and this year.

Tom has also just completed his studies after opening the last four years at Brunel. Although he’s been unfortunate with injuries over the last 12 months, he already has Championship experience, after playing for London Scottish during the 2021/22 season, including being awarded the Exiles’ Player of the Match against Doncaster Knights.

Epi came to the club earlier this season after the sad demise of Wasps. The winger, who is powerful despite his age, has represented England U18s and has been called up to England U20 training camps. He is known for his offloading game and played in both of our Ealing Trailfinders ‘A’ fixtures against Ulster ‘A’ at Christmas.

When speaking about the four players, Director of Rugby Ben Ward said: “Lefty, Harry, Tom and Epi are all incredibly exciting rugby players who we’re pleased to have at the club.

“The opportunity to go down to Cornwall and challenge themselves in a new environment is a great opportunity for all four lads.

“With Paves, Gav and Louie, we know how strong the rugby programme is down there and I trust their opinion so I can’t wait to see the feedback we get and how our players get on.”

 

Trailfinders Women are pleased to announce the signing of Rosie Inman ahead of the club’s first season in the Allianz Premier 15s.

The fullback brings a plethora of top flight experience as she moves from Bristol Bears, a side who have made the league playoffs for the second season in a row.

Inman is a product of Biggleswade RFC. She first picked up a rugby ball aged seven and despite being the only girl in her team, laid the foundations for a fruitful career.

The versatile back, who has played both fullback and fly-half, combined her rugby with studies at the University of Bristol as part of her Masters in Biomedical Science.

Prior to this, Inman studied Biology at Durham University and got her first taste of Premier 15s whilst playing for DMP Sharks.

In her final year in the North East, the fullback helped Durham secure the BUCS National League title.

While Inman often lines up in the 15 jersey, she is certainly not out of place throughout the backs, having had  experience on the wing and at fly-half, as well as honing her skills as a goal kicker.

Over recent months, Inman has lifted silverware at Twickenham. She was on loan with Cheltenham Tigers which included their Championship Final triumph over Leicester Tigers.

Ahead of joining the club, Rosie Inman said: “I’m really looking forward to joining Trailfinders.

“It is an amazing opportunity that I am very grateful for. I’m excited to be involved with a team that is only going to grow and I can’t wait to get started!”

Women’s Director of Rugby Giselle Mather said: “I am really excited to begin working with Rosie. She is fully engaged in the opportunity and committed to working really hard to achieve success and I know she is going to make huge gains this season.”

Inman joins Canadian International Tyson Beukeboom and exciting centre/ wing Jess Cooksey in joining the club this week.

Trailfinders Women are pleased to announce the signing of Canadian International Tyson Beukeboom ahead of our first season in the Premier 15s.

The second-row will bring a wealth of experience to the club, with over 50 caps for Canada and having been to three Rugby World Cups.

Tyson broke onto the scene in 2012 when she was named the Canadian Inter-university Sport Female Athlete on the Year. Within a year of winning this award, she had made her international debut, as she helped Canada win the 2013 Nations Cup, as they defeated England in the final.

In 2014, Tyson was included in the squad for the Rugby World in France, as Canada finished as runners-up. She was named on the bench for the final against England, as they ultimately lost 21-9.

Three years later she was included again for the 2017 World Cup in Ireland as Canada finished fifth. Last year she then attended her third World Cup, as they finished fourth in the tournament that was delayed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Tyson scored in their 19-26 semi-final defeat against England, as well as playing in the third place playoff.

Most recently, she started in Canada’s 66-7 win over South Africa in March as they comfortably dispatched the Springbok Women in their Pacific Four Series encounter.

When speaking about joining Trailfinders, Tyson said: “I am very proud to be able to call myself a Trailfinder.

“It’s very exciting to be joining a team who will also be making their debut in the Premier 15s, I can’t wait to hit the ground running and get to work. This being my first time overseas I couldn’t think of a better program to be apart of. Giselle (Mather) has built an amazing group that I can’t wait to meet and play with!

“Overall I’m just very very excited to get to England and see what we can do as a team.”

On the signing, Director of Women’s Rugby Giselle Mather said: “For someone who has never played overseas before, we are thrilling that Tyson has chosen Trailfinders as the club where she wants to have her first opportunity of this.

“As a vastly experienced athlete with three World Cups under her belt and a wonderful, infectious energy, I know she will make a huge impact on the Premier 15s.

“We can’t wait for her to get started!”

 

Trailfinders Women are thrilled to announce the signing of centre/ wing Jess Cooksey ahead of our first season in the Premier 15s.

Despite being only 22, Jess has vast rugby experience, having represented her country at age grade level, played for several Premier 15s sides and has also spent time playing the game in North America.

After breaking through at Gloucester-Hartpury while studying at Hartpury College, Jess was then called up to represent the England U18s side and Great Britain 7s. She then made the move up to Premier 15s rivals Darlington Mowden Park while studying at Durham University.

After two years with the Sharks, including playing for England U20s, she then joined Wasps in 2021, where she worked with Trailfinders Director of Women’s Rugby Giselle Mather. After a year at the West-London side, she went travelling to Canada last year to experience rugby in a new country but is now excited to be returning to England.

On her signing for the club, Jess said: “I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be involved with Trailfinders this season.

“After several years of studying alongside playing, I’m excited to finally get the chance to shift my focus solely onto rugby.

“With the promising and dynamic set up at the club, I’m looking forward to what the next season brings.”

When talking about Jess, Giselle said: “Jess is a very talented and extremely hard working person.

“I am hugely excited to see what she will achieve when she is able to commit her time to exploring her full potential as an athlete and a rugby player.

“There are very exciting times ahead for her! Watch this space!”