Joe Maddalena and Alex Brewer strengthen Barney Maddison’s performance team.

Taking steps to ensure optimal care and development for our players, Maddalena steps into the Head of Medical Services role, supported by Scarlett Wood and Andrew Stevens, whilst Brewer – supported by Gemma Thompson and Uzzy Anwar – will direct the Performance Analysis department as Lead Performance Analysis.

Speaking on the announcements, Head Coach Barney Maddison said: 

“I’m pleased that Joe and Alex [Brewer] will continue their work with us, and together with their teams, we’ve got a very strong staff supporting the squad. We have elite ambitions on the field, and our off field matches that.

“We’re committed to ensuring that every day, our players come into an environment where they can feel looked after and thrive, and it’s important that we have these structures in place as we add to the quality we already have.

“Our next priorities are to look at the areas where we feel we can still improve – both on and off the field – and keep the momentum we’ve got to drive us forward next season.”

As Maddison’s performance team takes shape ahead of the new campaign, both Adam Dowsett and Oli Bishop depart after two seasons with the team. We would like to thank both Adam and Oli for their efforts and contributions during their time with us and wish them both the very best for the future.

Trailfinders Women Performance Team

Barney Maddison – Head Coach

Kim Oliver – Assistant Coach

Steven Shingler – Assistant Coach

Physical Performance

Alex Lee – Head of Physical Performance

Dylan Martens – Athletic Performance Coach

Performance Analysis

Alex Brewer – Lead Performance Analyst

Gemma Thompson – Performance Analyst

Uzzy Anwar – Performance Analyst

Medical

Joe Maddalena – Head of Medical Services

Scarlett Wood – Physiotherapist

Andrew Stevens – Physiotherapist

Operations

Jojo Loxton – Team Manager

Molly Dymmock-Morgan – Kit Manager

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