News - Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club

Emma Wassell joins Trailfinders Women

We are delighted to announce the signing of Emma Wassell, an experienced Scottish international with an outstanding record at the highest level.

Born in Aberdeen, the 67-time capped Scotland international has been a pillar of consistency for her national side since making her debut against Ireland in the 2014 Six Nations. Her incredible durability saw her start 54 consecutive international matches – a record-breaking streak that only ended in April 2022 due to a wrist injury.

Wassell played a pivotal role in Scotland’s qualification for the 2021 Rugby World Cup, helping the team secure their first appearance at the tournament since 2010.

Wassell previously represented Loughborough Lightning in the PWR, making 28 appearances for the African Violets before departing earlier this year.

In September 2024, Wassell was diagnosed with a tumour in her chest, which following a subsequent sternotomy meant she had to sit out the 2024/25 PWR season to focus on her rehabilitation. In May 2025, she was named in the Scotland training squad for the Rugby World Cup.

Known for her exceptional work rate and strength at the set-piece, she brings invaluable experience to Trailfinders Women’s pack.

On signing with Trailfinders, Wassell said:

“I’m really excited to be joining the Club. It’s a new chapter for me, and I’m really excited to play amongst some incredible players, it seems like a lot of fun down there. The team play a really exciting brand of rugby – and I want a piece of it!

“I’ve had a bit of a rough season to say the least, and I just cannot wait to get back out there playing rugby with some incredible girls. I want to push myself, be challenged with the competition at the club, but also enjoy it.”

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added:

“Emma is a world-class operator in the second row. Her experience, consistency, and leadership will be a huge asset to the squad, and we’re thrilled to have her on board.”

News

Experienced Forward Kyle Hatherell Signs For Trailfinders

We are proud to confirm the signing of forward Kyle Hatherell ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The 30-year-old joins from Leicester Tigers and brings a wealth of experience across top leagues, including spells with La Rochelle, Worcester Warriors, Jersey Reds.

A versatile option who can operate in the back-row and second-row, Hatherell is known for his physicality, work rate and leadership qualities.

Hatherell was born in South Africa and played his age-grade rugby for The Sharks in Durban before making the switch to the U.K.

On joining the Club, Hatherell said:

“I’m extremely grateful to be joining up with Ealing Trailfinders next season. I spoke with Ben (Ward) and our interests aligned, and my playing style suited what the Club was after.

“Trailfinders are a very successful team and I can’t wait to get stuck in. I want to show everyone who has put their faith in me that I mean business!”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, added:

“Kyle’s CV speaks for itself. He’s played at the top level and brings great experience. His versatility is key, and we believe he’ll have a big impact on and off the pitch.”

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Steven Shingler to join Scotland Rugby coaching team for World Cup

Steven Shingler will join the Scotland Rugby Women’s national team on secondment for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

Shingler joined the Trailfinders Women coaching team as an assistant coach for the 2024/25 season and made an immediate and transformative impact on the team’s attacking play, helping drive a rise in tries scored – 80 in total, up from 53 the previous season.

Speaking on Shingler joining up with the team, Scotland Rugby Head Coach Bryan Easson said:

“This does now present an exciting opportunity to reset and refresh our coaching team. We’re very grateful to Trailfinders Women for working with us to bring Steve into our environment.

“We welcomed Steve into camp during this year’s Six Nations and we were really impressed by him then. We have several players at Trailfinders, including some of our key attacking players, who have a fantastic relationship with him already and know what he’s about which will give us a smooth transition.”

Head Coach Barney Maddison said:

“We’ve got a good relationship with Scotland Rugby, and their request to have Shings join them for the World Cup is both testament to the way our attack went last year and the influence he has on that, as well as his own growing reputation in the game.”

“With Max [Bodilly] coming in on the coaching team, we’re setup really well to support opportunities for our people to develop, and both Max and Shings will no doubt benefit both professionally and personally from this period.

“We wish Shings and the team all the best for the tournament and look forward to him bringing back that experience when he joins back up with us.”

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Scotland Captain Rachel Malcolm signs

We are thrilled to announce the signing of Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm.

A modern back-row player, Malcolm is known for her relentless work rate, defensive prowess, and exceptional leadership on and off the field.

Born in Glasgow, Malcolm previously represented Scotland in hockey at U17, U18, and U21 levels before switching to rugby in her mid-twenties.

Quickly rising through the ranks, Malcolm made her Scotland debut in a 2016 Rugby World Cup qualifier against Spain, before earning her first start in the 2017 Six Nations. Since then, she has amassed 56 international caps, having also captain the side since 2020. Hailed as one of the “great Scotland captains”, she has been a driving force for her nation ever since.

At club level, Malcolm recently departed Loughborough Lightning, having represented the side since their inaugural Premier 15s season in 2017/18. She made 67 appearances for the club and played her final match against Trailfinders at Franklin’s Gardens in February.

Towards the end of her time at Loughborough, she combined her playing career with a player-coach role, assisting head coach Nathan Smith in developing the next generation of talent.

On signing for Trailfinders Women, Malcolm said:

“I’m super excited for a new experience down in London. This move had to be right for me as a person as well as a rugby player. I wanted to go somewhere where I can challenge myself and strive to be the best player I can be.

“The exciting group of players that have been put together is one I’m excited to learn from, and hopefully one that I can add too as well.”

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added:

“Rachel brings immense leadership, experience, and a tireless work ethic. She is a fantastic addition to our squad, and we are excited to see the impact she will have.”

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Toby Cousins Signs For Trailfinders

We are thrilled to announce the signing of explosive back Toby Cousins from Northampton Saints.

The 20-year-old has already compiled an impressive résumé, having represented England at multiple age-grade levels.

A dynamic and powerful runner, the winger was part of the 2023 U20 Six Nations squad and helped England to victory in the 2024 U20 World Cup in South Africa.

Cousins has gained senior experience in the Premiership Rugby Cup and spent this season on loan at Bedford, where he impressed, and featured in their recent win over Trailfinders.

Speaking on his move, Cousins said:

“I’m really looking forward to joining Ealing Trailfinders, who have been such a successful and dominant Club in the Championship. It’s a Club that I’ve been watching over the past few years, and they play such an exciting style and brand of rugby.

“I’m excited to learn from the experienced players in the squad. I can’t wait to be a part of this team.”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, added:

“Toby’s a hugely talented young player. He’s strong, skilful and brings real intent with ball in hand. We’re delighted he’s chosen to continue his development at Trailfinders.”

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Trailfinders Secure Experienced Forward Josh Caulfield

Ealing Trailfinders are thrilled to confirm the signing of second-row forward Josh Caulfield from Bristol Bears.

The 27-year-old is a seasoned performer with experience across the Premiership and Championship.

Caulfield made over 100 appearances for Cornish Pirates, where he was named Players’ Player of the Year in 2021-22. He has also featured for Exeter Chiefs, Wasps and London Irish.

He was part of the England U20 side that won the Grand Slam in 2017. The second-row brings both line-out expertise and leadership to the Trailfinders pack.

On joining the Club, Caulfield said:

“I’m super excited to be making the move to Ealing Trailfinders and can’t wait to get started. I believe this Club should be competing in the top flight of English rugby.

“I want to push this team forward, and I’m looking forward to joining such an exciting project.”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, commented:

“Josh is a fantastic addition. He’s got loads of experience and is a real asset at the line-out. His work rate and character will be hugely valuable to us.”

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Trailfinders Land Dynamic Young Winger Deago Bailey

We are thrilled to announce the signing of winger Deago Bailey from Bristol Bears.

The 22-year-old is a powerful and dynamic presence on the wing, with experience at both Premiership and age-grade international level.

He featured four times in the Premiership Rugby Cup last season and scored four tries. He crossed the whitewash a further two times in three Premiership appearances.

Bailey was part of the England Grand Slam-winning U20 Six Nations squad in 2021, and has represented his country at U18 level.

Signing for Trailfinders, Bailey said:

“I’m really excited to join such a successful Club. I can’t wait to meet everybody and hopefully contribute to more trophies in the future.

“I’m looking forward to getting going. See you all in pre-season!”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, said:

“Deago’s an exciting talent. He’s got electric pace and knows how to finish. We’re really pleased to have him with us, and I’m looking forward to seeing him thrive.”

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Sam Edwards Signs For Trailfinders

We are pleased to confirm the signing of scrum-half Sam Edwards ahead of the upcoming campaign.

The 22-year-old joins from Bristol Bears, bringing with him valuable experience in the top flight of English rugby.

A product of the Leicester Tigers academy, Edwards has spent time on loan in the Championship with Cambridge, further honing his game. He has also represented England at both U18 and U20 levels.

Quick to the breakdown and sharp around the fringes, Edwards is a promising talent with a bright future.

Commenting on the move, Edwards said:

“I’m really excited to be joining Ealing Trailfinders. It’s a club that’s had a lot of success and I want to be part of that.

“I can’t wait to meet all the lads and get stuck in to preseason.”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, added:

“Sam is a player with real potential. He’s already got experience at a high level and brings real energy to the nine jersey. We’re looking forward to helping him kick on.”

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Trailfinders sign Black Fern Alana Borland

We are thrilled to announce the marquee signing of Alana Borland (nee Bremner), who brings a wealth of success and experience to the club.

Originating from Christchurch, New Zealand, Alana has enjoyed a distinguished rugby career both domestically and internationally. Alana began her rugby journey at Lincoln University, where she became the first woman to play 50 times for the side. She then played for Matatū in Super Rugby Aupiki, where she was a key part of the team that clinched their first-ever Super Rugby title after defeating Chiefs Manawa in the final.

Having also represented Canterbury provincially, she was a pivotal figure in their domination of New Zealand rugby. As captain, she led Canterbury to their fourth consecutive Farah Palmer Cup title in 2020 and was named Player of the Season in recognition of her outstanding performances.

On the international stage, Borland has earned 28 caps for the Black Ferns, becoming an integral part of their forward pack, scoring 5 tries along the way. She made her international debut in the Black Ferns’ historic 100th test matchagainst England in 2021, scoring her first Test try in the same match. Later that year, she was a member of the Rugby World Cup-winning squad and scored a try in the quarterfinals against Wales.

Known for her exceptional tackling, leadership, and expertise at the lineout, she is a versatile and dynamic player who will be a key asset to Trailfinders Women.

On signing with Trailfinders Women, Alana said:

“I’m very excited to be joining Trailfinders for the upcoming season. I’m looking forward to challenging myself in a new environment and seeing what value I can add to this team.

“After talking to Barney and a current player, the club sounds like it has a great culture and a well-resourced, well supported team.”

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added:

“Alana is a world-class player, and we are incredibly excited to have her on board. Her experience at the highest level, both domestically and internationally, will be invaluable to our squad.

“Her leadership, physicality, and lineout expertise will add depth to our pack, and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact she will make here with us.”

News

Cana Williams joins Trailfinders Women

We are excited to welcome Cana Williams, a powerful prop who has already made her mark in Welsh rugby.

A graduate of Loughborough University, where she studied Sports and Exercise Science, Williams has shown versatility and athleticism throughout her career.

She represented Wales in the first-ever U20s Women’s Six Nations and is a former county champion rower, which no doubt contributes to her natural strength and endurance.

On her signing, Williams said:

“I’m really excited to develop in a new training environment at Trailfinders. It’s close to home for me being from Windsor, and I’m super excited to meet all the girls and start my next chapter.”

Head Coach, Barney Maddison commented:

“Cana is a strong and talented young prop with huge potential. Her work ethic and physicality will add more strength to the squad, and she’ll be a great asset for us.”