We are pleased to confirm that Shannon Ikahihifo has extended her contract with the club.

The 30-year-old back rower, originally from New Zealand, signed for Trailfinders Women ahead of the 2023/24 campaign following impressive spells with Blues Women and Ponsonby Rugby Club.

A powerful and experienced presence at the breakdown and in defence, Ikahihifo made an immediate impact at Trailfinders and was soon rewarded with international recognition, earning caps for Ireland in the 2025 Women’s Six Nations against Scotland, England, and Wales.

Her ability to adapt and thrive speaks volumes about her professionalism and impact, and her ball-carrying power and leadership around the park have been vital assets to the Trailfinders pack.

Speaking on her commitment to another season, Ikahihifo said:

“The girls have become a family away from home for me. I’m looking forward to seeing how the team continues to build in this upcoming season.”

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added:

“Shannon brings physicality, experience, and a brilliant team-first mindset. She’s been a rock for us and is exactly the kind of player you want beside you in tough moments. We’re buzzing to keep her at the club.”

Premiership Women’s Rugby have confirmed the return of the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) Cup for the 2025-26 season – a tournament designed to spotlight and accelerate the next generation of rugby talent. 
With Pool A consisting of three games, our tournament gets underway against Champions, Gloucester-Hartpury at Trailfinders Sports Club on Saturday 24th August, kick-off 3pm. Two trips on the road will follow, as Barney Maddison’s side travel to Horsham RFC to take on Harlequins (7th September, 2pm) and Sandy Park to face Exeter Chiefs (20th September, 1pm).
The pool stages of the tournament will run alongside the Women’s Rugby World Cup, with the PWR Cup final taking place two weeks after the Rugby World Cup final on 12th October, broadcast live on the PWR’s YouTube channel.
Ticket information for all fixtures will be announced in due course.

We are delighted to confirm that Shya Pinnock has signed a new contract with the club for the upcoming season.

The 26-year-old second-row, who joined from Wasps Women ahead of the 2023/24 season, has established herself as a fan favourite with her fearless tackling.

A tireless worker with a competitive edge, Pinnock’s background in athletics and MMA is evident in her explosive ball-carrying and work rate around the contact area.

Her versatility – with ability to also play in the back row – and explosive speed off the mark make her a constant threat in both attack and defence.

Speaking on her commitment to another season, Pinnock said:

“I’m super excited for another season with the girls. We laid some really strong foundations last season and I’m excited to keep building as a team and as a player.”

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added:

“Shya is one of the most committed players we’ve got. She brings unbelievable energy and leads by example every time she steps on the field. We’re really pleased to be keeping her.”

We can confirm the full list of players departing Trailfinders Women upon expiry of their contracts later this month.

We would like to thank each player who departs us this year for all their efforts representing the Club over the course of their time here.

As a team emerging from its first steps into the PWR two seasons ago into an ambitious future, their contributions do not go unrecognised or without sincere gratitude.

Speaking on those departing, Head Coach Barney Maddison said:

“It’s never easy coming to the end of a season and saying goodbye to some of the people who you have seen day in and day out. It’s a regrettable moment, but also one that gives an opportunity to show our thanks.

“A lot of these girls have been here from the start and have helped shape the Club into what it is now, and their contributions cannot be understated. Together, those departing leave a team that is hungry, ready to develop further, to entertain, and to make a mark at the highest level.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to them all, as well wish them the best of luck in their next adventures.”

Maddison also commented specifically on the contributions of Tyson Beukeboom and Kat Evans during their time with the club:

“Tyson is one of the originals – she’s been here since the start. Her leadership and experience was massively needed over the past couple of years and she’s done a fantastic job for us. We wish her all the best in what she does next.

“Kat Evans came out of retirement to help us out when we had no hookers at the start of the season. She signed a short-term contract initially and then loved the team and the environment so much she ended up extending and sticking around! Kat’s a great person, and I just want to say a massive thank you to Kat and what she did for us at the club.”

Maddison also gave special recognition to Abby Dow, who departs the Club having been one of our first England representatives, and a player held in such high regard by the Trailfinders supporters. 

“Abby was one of the original Red Roses that we had here, and someone who has set the bar in terms of what can be achieved.

“She’s a fantastic rugby player, and whilst it’s a shame that she has decided to move on, wherever she goes next, or whatever the future holds for her, we all wish her nothing but the best of luck.”

Also amongst those whose contracts expire is Rowena Burnfield, who announced her decision to retire from rugby earlier this year. Reflecting on her time here, Maddison said:

“Ro will always be regarded as an icon here. Her impact was felt right across the team and was simply incredible. She is a player who had been here from the start, and we’re proud to have been on the journey with her.”

Our complete list of departing Trailfinders who represented the team in 2024-25 is as follows:

  • Megan Barwick
  • Tyson Beukeboom
  • Rowena Burnfield
  • Fiona Cooper
  • Liz Crake
  • Kendra Cousineau
  • Sarah Denholm
  • Rosie Dobson
  • Abby Dow
  • Kat Evans
  • Lindelwa Gwala
  • Kaylee McHugh
  • Liz Musgrove
  • Paige Stathopoulos
  • Andrea Stock
  • Kie Tamai

Once again, we share our sincere thanks to each of our departing players and wish each of them the best of luck in their next adventures.

 

We are excited to announce the signing of full-back Will Feeney ahead of the new season.

The Australian joins from Chinnor RFC, where he played a key role in their title-winning National 1 campaign back in 2023-24.

Stepping up to the Championship, Feeney made 11 league appearances last season, scoring two tries as well as showcasing his ability under the high ball and in open play.

A dynamic and assured presence at the back, Feeney adds depth and pace to the Trailfinders’ backline options.

Feeney said: 

“I’m very pleased to be joining Ealing Trailfinders. The opportunity to join a team consistently competing at the highest level is something I greatly value. I’m eager to contribute to the club’s continued success, while further developing my own game.

“After three great years at Chinnor, I felt ready for the next step. The chance to join a professional setup with quality players and coaches was impossible to turn down.”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, added: 

“Will has been excellent for Chinnor and a big part of their success. He’s a skilful player with a strong kicking game, and I’m really looking forward to seeing him get stuck in at Trailfinders.”

We are delighted to welcome Gabriel Mann to the club ahead of the new season.

A University of Bristol graduate, Mann has already made his mark on the international stage with GB 7s, representing the squad on the European circuit.

He has also spent time in the Bristol Bears setup, and represented the club against Bristol Combination XV in the Summer of 2024.

His athleticism and explosiveness at the back of the scrum make him an exciting addition to the squad.

On signing for Ealing Trailfinders, Mann said:

“It’s great to become part of a team that are back-to-back Champions. There are lots of experienced players in my position, and it will be invaluable for me to learn from them.

“There’s a great coaching setup here that can help me progress, and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in.”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, commented:

“Gabriel has played 7s at a high level and brings pace and dynamism to our back row. He really impressed us playing for Bristol University against Brunel last season, he’s a real athlete and someone we believe has a bright future.”

We are pleased to confirm the signing of New Zealand back-row Jamie Carr.

Carr initially joined up with the squad in April this year, and made his debut in the final match of the 2024-25 season against Hartpury. He provided a powerful impact from the bench, helping Trailfinders to victory.

The 23-year-old brings physicality and speed to the Trailfinders back-row, adding an extra dimension to the forward pack.

After attending St. Andrews College, Christchurch, Carr went on to play for Christchurch Rugby Club and was selected for the Canterbury U19 side in 2021. More recently, he played a key role in Canterbury B’s 2024 campaign.

Speaking on the move, Jamie Carr said: 

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to come to England and play for Ealing Trailfinders. The club has welcomed me in and the transition has been smooth.

“The interactions I had with the Club when I was back home were really positive. To now live in London and play rugby here is a huge privilege.”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, added: 

“Jamie’s a powerful addition to our pack and he brings a real edge to the breakdown and set-piece. We saw a glimpse of what he was capable of in a cameo against Hartpury, and that has myself and the coaching team really excited about what he can do next year.”

We are pleased to announce the signing of Patrick Campbell from Munster.

After four years at Munster, Campbell will bring top-flight experience to Trailfinders Sports Club. His footwork and speed will be a key asset to the team heading into the 2025-26 campaign.

The 23-year-old joined Munster’s academy setup in 2021. He scored four tries in 12 appearances before moving up to the senior squad in 2023.

The versatile back three player had a key role in Ireland U20s’ Six Nations grand slam back in 2022. He made his first URC start later that year against Zebre at Musgrave Park.

On joining the Club, Campbell said: 

“I’m delighted to be joining Ealing Trailfinders, and can’t wait to meet all the lads. It’s a hard-working club with a lot of character, and it was an easy decision for me to make the move over to London.

“I’m really looking forward to getting going in pre-season and putting the hard yards in.”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, said: 

“Patrick is an agile back three player who has the ability to beat defenders and get the crowd on their feet. He is another great option to add to our back three, and I’m looking forward to working with him next season.”

We are delighted to announce the signing of powerful centre Will Parry from Bath.

The centre, who made his Bath Rugby debut against Bristol Bears in 2022, is a strong runner with excellent vision, Parry will add another dimension to Trailfinders’ midfield options.

The 21-year-old has Championship experience with Doncaster Knights, where he played alongside his studies at Durham University.

In 2023, Parry was lucky enough to be brought into the training squad ahead of England’s World Cup fixture against Fiji.

Signing for the Club, Parry said: 

“I’m really excited about joining a club with high aspirations that has experienced great success. The club is filled with talented players and quality coaches, making Ealing Trailfinders a great opportunity to learn and develop my game.

“I hope to gain valuable experience playing Champ Rugby, playing alongside the league’s best players. I can’t wait to get stuck into training and contribute to the Club’s journey.”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, added: 

“Will is a powerful player who’s shown real promise. He’s had good exposure at Doncaster and Bath, and we’re excited to help him continue to grow.”

We are pleased to confirm that back-rower Grace Moore has signed a new contract with the club.

Born in Croydon, Moore initially began her career as a winger before transitioning to the back row, where her powerful ball-carrying ability has made her a constant threat.

Moore joined Trailfinders Women from Saracens ahead of last season bringing her Premiership and International experience to the group. Representing Ireland, she made her debut in the 2021 Six Nations and played a vital role in Ireland’s WXV 3 triumph and third-place finish in the 2024 Women’s Six Nations.

Speaking on her extension, Moore said:

“I’ve loved my time at Trailfinders so far, and I’m really excited to continue my journey here. The squad environment is special, and I feel like I’ve developed so much as a player since joining.”

Head Coach, Barney Maddison, added:

“We’re delighted that Grace is staying with us. She’s made a big impact since arriving from Saracens, bringing real dynamism to our back row. Her power and skill make her a huge asset, and we’re excited to see her continue to thrive here.”

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