Steven Shingler joins Kim Oliver as Trailfinders Women’s Assistant Coach in 2025/26.

After nearly a decade of combining a successful playing career with coaching roles, Shingler, a former Ealing Trailfinders Club Captain with over 50 appearances for the men’s outfit, also reprises his role as Assistant Coach.

Having already made a significant impact last campaign which saw a total of 80 tries scored – compared to 53 in 2023-24 – Steven will once again be tasked with maintaining a sharp and electrifying attack.

Speaking on Shingler’s impact, Head Coach Barney Maddison said: 

“Steven knows what it takes to succeed as a Trailfinder. His role in shaping the attack is pivotal, and we’ve already seen his influence in the tactics being implemented to suit the squad’s style of play.”

Shingler reprises his role alongside Kim Oliver, whose own extension was announced earlier today. Maddison added: 

“We’ve got great relationship. Both Kim and Steven are excellent coaches who bring great balance to the group. Between Kim’s technical detail and experience of the women’s game, and Steven’s offensive expertise and ability to communicate that to the team, we’re in a really great place as a performance team.”

“I’m delighted to continue building on what we’ve achieved so far together and look forward to a really exciting future.”

We are delighted to confirm that Barney Maddison has signed a long-term extension as Head Coach of Trailfinders Women.

Stepping into the Head Coach role at the start of the 2024/25 season, Maddison quickly made his mark with excitement and a potent attack a hallmark of his first year in charge.

Maddison’s extension ensures continuity as the club looks to build upon the progress already made, as well as the push for greater achievement in the seasons ahead.

Following his extension, Maddison said:

“I’m thrilled to continue the work we’re doing here at the club – it’s an exciting project with a lot of potential. After two years as a team, we’re establishing our programme, and developing our style of play to really put our stamp on games. Last season we recorded our first win against a top four side [Bristol Bears] and were much more competitive against some of the traditionally stronger teams, so it’s on us now to raise our level consistently.”

Speaking on the ambitions for the coming season, Barney added:

“The squad is really talented, really hardworking and we’re all hungry for success. Our goal now is to kick on, compete at the top end of the table and challenge for those top spots. We’re set on creating the best possible environment around our players, and we’re making some key appointments to build on our foundations and do just that.

“It’ll be a demanding season – a long one, following what will be a brilliant World Cup – but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Managing Director, Ben Ward, added:

“It’s been no surprise as to how Barney has been key to the continued development of the team, both on and off the field, since stepping into the Head Coach role. He’s a leader with a great rugby brain – a real professional – and a calm head who really underpins our vision for Trailfinders Women.

“We’re excited for the future with Barney, and it’s really pleasing to see the performance team taking shape. We can’t wait to see where he takes the team.”

Ealing Trailfinders secured their place in the Premiership Cup semi-final after an emphatic 26-43 victory over Northampton Saints.

There were tries from Lefty Zigiriadis, George Davis, Reuben Bird-Tulloch, Angus Kernohan and a brace from Tom Collins on his return to Franklin’s Gardens.

It was a dream start to the knockout stages for Ealing Trailfinders, Zigiriadis powered his way over the line inside the opening two minutes.

Just moments later, Tobi Wilson found himself in space on the right-wing and burst down the line. He popped the ball inside to Collins who scored.

However, the visitors’ lead did not last long. Tries from George Hendy and James Ramm put Saints into the lead.

Trailfinders edged back in front with a Dan Jones penalty, before some free-flowing rugby from the hosts meant Ramm had a brace.

Ben Ward’s men regrouped and had an excellent end to the first half. Patient play camped on the Northampton try line eventually paid off when Davis forced his way over the line with a pick-and-go effort.

A scrum on the halfway line allowed Trailfinders to run a training ground move. Craig Hampson looped around and put Bird-Tulloch through a gap for a clear run to the line.

Half-time: Northampton Saints 19-29 Ealing Trailfinders

After the break, Northampton’s Iakopo Mapu saw red inside the opening seconds for a high shot on Trailfinders captain Mike Willemse.

The Championship side did not take long to capitalise, Wilson was at it again with another line break and Collins found himself on the end of it for his second of the afternoon.

Kernohan was next to get himself in on the action. The winger found space on the edge and scored in the corner, putting Trailfinders in a commanding lead with half an hour to play.

Trailfinders controlled the game well for the remainder, although Northampton’s Ramm completed his hat-trick with five minutes to go.

Victory for Ealing Trailfinders means they set up a semi-final against Exeter Chiefs next week.

Full-time: Northampton Saints 26-43 Ealing Trailfinders

Northampton Saints:

Tries- George Hendy 10, James Ramm 13 27 74

Conversions- Rory Hutchinson 11 14 75

Red cards- Iakopo Mapu 41

Ealing Trailfinders:

Tries- Lefty Zigiriadis 2, Tom Collins 4 42, George Davis 30, Angus Kernohan 49

Conversions- Tobi Wilson 3, Dan Jones 31 43 50

Penalties- Dan Jones 25

Yellow cards- Reuben Bird-Tulloch 13

Trailfinders Women name their lineup as they travel to Franklin’s Gardens to play Loughborough Lightning in their final PWR match of the season.

Head Coach Barney Maddison makes five changes to the starting XV that played Leicester Tigers at Trailfinders Sports Club last weekend.

Alivia Leatherman and Rori Wood retain their places, Paige Stathopoulos joins them in the front-row.

Shya Pinnock starts alongside Tyson Beukeboom in the engine room.

Grace Moore moves into the back-row, with Rowena Burnfield starting at blindside flanker, and Captain Kate Zackary at number eight.

Caity Mattinson moves from the bench to start at scrum-half and Julia Schell keeps her place at fly-half.

The centre partnership remains unchanged with Lisa Thomson and Jess Cooksey.

It’s all change on the wings with Grace White and Rosie Inman coming into the side, Chloe Rollie completes the starting lineup.

Shannon Ikahihifo is among the replacements and in line for her first PWR appearance of the season.

Trailfinders Women to face Loughborough Lightning:

15. Chloe Rollie

14. Rosie Inman

13. Jess Cooksey

12. Lisa Thomson

11. Grace White

10. Julia Schell

9. Caity Mattinson

1. Alivia Leatherman

2. Paige Stathopoulos

3. Rori Wood

4. Tyson Beukeboom

5. Shya Pinnock

6. Rowena Burnfield

7. Grace Moore

8. Kate Zackary (c)

16. Kat Evans

17. Kie Tamai

18. Cassandra Tuffnail

19. Shannon Ikahihifo

20. Sara Seye

21. Ella Amory

22. Liz Musgrove

23. Vicky Laflin

Ealing Trailfinders can confirm that Scott Buckley has joined the club on loan from Munster until the end of the season.

Following the mid-season departure of Henry Walker to Northampton Saints, Buckley has joined up with the squad and has been training over the past couple of weeks.

Buckley has made 27 appearances for Munster, having come through their youth system and represented Ireland at U18 and U19 levels.

The hooker had a stellar debut for the province, where he scored a try and won Player of the Match in Munster’s 35-17 away win at Wasps in the 2021 Champions Cup.

Joining Trailfinders, Buckley said: “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to join Ealing Trailfinders until the end of the season. The coaches and players have all been very welcoming and made the transition easy for me, it’s a top-class setup with great people. It’s a great opportunity for me personally, and I’m really excited to get stuck in to this new challenge.”

Director of Rugby Ben Ward said: “Scott will add some important depth, and we were pleased to add a player of his quality to our front row. He has made a good impression in training, and we are looking forward to seeing him make an impact on matchday.”