We are excited to confirm that Rori Wood has signed an extension with the club ahead of the new season.

The 25-year-old Canadian international, who earned her first senior cap for Canada against Ireland in October 2024, has quickly established herself as a dynamic presence in the tight-five since joining midway through last season.

Wood made an immediate impact upon arrival, scoring three tries in as many games. Her standout performance came in January, where she crossed the line twice in a thrilling match against eventual champions Gloucester-Hartpury Women, showcasing her ability in both the scrum and open play.

A native of British Columbia, Wood brings a strong physical presence and technical expertise to the forward pack, adding a valuable dimension to the team’s play.

Speaking on her extension, Wood said:

“I’m very excited to have re-signed with Trailfinders. I’ve felt at home here from the start – the environment, the team of coaches, and everyone around the club have been brilliant. I love being a part of it, and I know it’s the right place for me to keep growing as a player and a person.

I’m looking forward to this next season and I can’t wait to see what is in store for us.”

Head Coach, Barney Maddison, added:

“Rori came in just after Christmas and immediately helped solidify our set-piece.

“She’s an outstanding player and an even better individual, with a huge career ahead of her. We’re excited to have her back for another season and see her continue to develop.

Ealing Trailfinders name their lineup to face London Scottish in Round 16 of the Championship at the Richmond Athletic Ground.

Ben Ward makes eight changes to the starting XV that beat Ampthill a week ago.

It’s all change in the front-row as Kyle Whyte, Cam Terry and Adam Nicol move from the bench to start.

Matas Jurevicius retains his spot in the second row and is partnered by Danny Cutmore.

Rayn Smid returns to the side for the first time since December, and captains from number eight. Josh Taylor and Jordy Reid complete the back-row.

Craig Hampson starts at scrum-half and Dan Jones is at fly-half.

Jordan Holgate is joined by Francis Moore in the centres.

Michael Dykes and Ben Harris start on the wings, with Tobi Wilson back in the team at fullback.

Ealing Trailfinders to face London Scottish:

  1. Kyle Whyte
  2. Cam Terry
  3. Adam Nicol
  4. Matas Jurevicius
  5. Danny Cutmore
  6. Josh Taylor
  7. Jordy Reid
  8. Rayn Smid
  9. Craig Hampson
  10. Dan Jones
  11. Michael Dykes
  12. Jordan Holgate
  13. Francis Moore
  14. Ben Harris
  15. Tobi Wilson
  16. Scott Buckley
  17. Lefty Zigiriadis
  18. Kabous Bezuidenhout
  19. Geordie Irvine
  20. David Bridge
  21. Michael Stronge
  22. Craig Willis
  23. Angus Kernohan

Congratulations to Trailfinders Pathway student athletes Hayley Jones (Henley College), Holly Jackson (Cardinal Newman), Isla Pomroy (City of Oxford), Summer Charlesworth (City of Oxford), Jo Vosakiwaiwai (City of Oxford), and Josephine Harris (City of Oxford) who have all been selected for England to face Italy and Ireland on Matchday 1 of the U18 Women’s Six Nations Festival 2025 at Wellington College. 

Scarlett Down (Cardinal Newman), and Mary Rudd (Henley College) have been selected for Scotland, and Lucia Dickinson (Cardinal Newman) has been selected for Ireland. We wish everyone selected the best of luck through the festival.

Supporters can stream the U18 Festival live on the Six Nations U20 YouTube channel, with tickets available at all three match days of the women’s festival free of charge.

We are excited to confirm the extension of USA international Alivia Leatherman for the upcoming season.

The prop made her Test debut for the USA against Italy in WXV 2 in 2023 and has quickly established herself as an influential figure both at club and international level.

Leatherman joined Trailfinders Women midway through last season and wasted no time in making an impact, including a dominant debut victory over Leicester Tigers Women at Welford Road.

Known for her power in the scrum and her strength in open play, Leatherman scored a memorable try in a tightly contested match against eventual champions Gloucester-Hartpury.

Having honed her skills at Notre Dame College in Ohio, she brings a unique combination of dynamism, grit, and set-piece dominance to the squad.

Speaking on her commitment to another season, Leatherman said:

“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead with Trailfinders. Even in the short time I’ve been here, I feel that I’ve improved tremendously. Being part of this group has been massive for me, and I’m excited to see how far we can go together over a full season.”

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added:

“Alivia came in just before Christmas and immediately made a huge impact on our set-piece. She has massive potential and a huge career ahead of her in rugby. She’s been outstanding for us, and we’re excited to see her continue to grow.”

We are delighted to announce that scrum-half Brooke Bradley has signed a contract extension, reinforcing her commitment to the club.

Since joining from Exeter Chiefs, Bradley has brought experience and composure to the squad, having made 57 appearances for the Chiefs and winning two Allianz Cups during her time there.

A versatile and intelligent playmaker, she has also featured at full-back, showcasing her skill set across the backline.

Bradley previously played for Worcester Warriors before establishing herself at Exeter. Her performances earned her a call-up to the Red Roses’ Six Nations training squad in 2024, having already represented England at U20 level.

Currently sidelined with a hamstring injury since October, Bradley is working hard on her return to action and is eager to make an impact when back on the pitch.

Reflecting on her new deal, Bradley said:

“I’m really excited to be staying at Trailfinders Women. It’s been a frustrating time with injury, but I feel really supported here, and I can’t wait to get back out there with the squad and contribute to what we’re building.”

Head Coach, Barney Maddison, added:

“Brooke has had a tough year with injury, but the impact she has on the squad is massive. She’s an integral part of the team, both on and off the pitch, and we’re delighted she’s staying with us. We’re looking forward to seeing her back out there soon.”

We are pleased to confirm that 23-year-old centre, Jess Cooksey has signed an extension with the club, continuing her journey in green and white.

Since joining from Wasps Women in 2023, Cooksey has been a consistent presence in the squad, featuring 32 times for Trailfinders Women. 

A powerful and dynamic runner, she has showcased her attacking ability this season with two tries, adding to the team’s strong midfield presence.

A product of the England age-grade system, Cooksey has represented her country at U18 and U20 levels, demonstrating her talent from a young age. 

She has also competed on the international sevens stage, playing for GB Sevens in 2018 and England Sevens in 2019, further underlining her versatility and ability to thrive in open play.

Speaking on re-signing, Cooksey said: 

“I’ve loved my time at Trailfinders Women so far, and I’m excited to build on what we’ve achieved. This is a special group, and I can’t wait for what’s next.”

Head Coach, Barney Maddison, added: 

“Jess has been with us from the start and is a great person to have around the squad. She makes an impact every day and has built fantastic relationships within the team.

Her game improved massively throughout last season, and we’re excited to see her continue to grow with us.”

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Fraser Brown as Scrum Coach for both Ealing Trailfinders and Trailfinders Women.

A former Scotland international, Brown brings a wealth of top-level playing and coaching experience to the club. 

At the club level, Brown had an outstanding tenure with Glasgow Warriors, making 141 appearances over 12 seasons. 

He was a key figure in the squad’s historic Guinness PRO12 title-winning campaign in 2014/15, when Glasgow became the first Scottish club to lift major silverware.

On the international stage, Brown earned 61 caps for Scotland, representing his country at multiple levels. 

After captaining the U20 side in the 2009 Six Nations, he won his first senior cap against Italy. 

He went on to play in both the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups, featuring in all nine matches across the two tournaments. 

He reached a personal milestone in 2020, earning his 50th cap in a Six Nations victory over France, before captaining Scotland later that year against Georgia at Murrayfield.

Since transitioning into coaching, Brown has built a strong reputation in the forwards and set-piece departments. 

While still playing for Glasgow, he took on a coaching role with Super Series side Watsonians, specialising in forwards and breakdown work. 

He has also worked with Warriors’ women’s side and was brought in as a consultant coach for Scotland Women.

Now, as he embarks on this new chapter at Trailfinders, Brown is eager to pass on his expertise and continue his pursuit of success in a coaching capacity.

Speaking on his appointment, Brown said:

“I’m really excited to be joining Ealing Trailfinders. The club has big ambitions, and I’m looking forward to helping develop the set-piece across both the men’s and women’s teams.

The opportunity to work across both teams, to be able to work with and develop the players every day, and to continue to grow my own abilities as a coach is something I’m thoroughly looking forward to.”

Director of Rugby, Ben Ward said:

“Fraser is a key appointment for the club. He brings elite-level experience and real pedigree in the set-piece. He is currently working with some of our players in the Six Nations with Scotland, and his expertise will be an invaluable asset and be a great benefit to both our men’s and women’s sides.

We’re looking forward to welcoming Fraser to the Club after the tournament.”

We are thrilled to announce that USA international and club captain Kate Zackary has signed an extension with Trailfinders Women.

Zackary, who also captains the national team, has been a cornerstone of the squad since joining from Exeter in 2023.

A seasoned veteran with two Rugby World Cup appearances (2017 and 2021), Zackary will also be striving to be a part of her third World Cup this year. 

From the back row, she has made a significant impact, scoring 6 tries in the 2024-25 season, including a double in a fiercely contested match against Harlequins in January.

Over the course of her career with Trailfinders, she has played 26 times in the PWR, earning respect for her leadership and contributions to the game from media and competitors alike.

Zackary has also been a key proponent in the Trailfinders Girls Rugby program, helping to foster the next generation of female rugby talent.

Zackary said: 

“I’m excited to be continuing this journey with Trailfinders Women. We’re finding our momentum as a team and club, and I want to be a part of that process. Our team is filled with diversely talented players who have a desire to become a contender in the PWR and I can’t wait to step back on the pitch with them.”

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added: 

“Kate’s level of professionalism is unmatched. She leads by her performances and the team naturally just looks to her as a leader. She has a wealth of experience, and her work with our youth programme has been invaluable.

“We’re delighted to see her continue to lead and perform at the highest level.”

 

Ealing Trailfinders name their lineup to take on Ampthill in Round 15 of the Championship at Dillingham Park.

Ben Ward makes five changes to the starting XV that played Nottingham last week.

The front-row remains unchanged. Mike Willemse captains the side from hooker with Elliot Chilvers and Biyi Alo packing down either side of him.

Bobby De Wee returns to the side to partner Matas Jurevicius.

Rob Farrar comes back into the side, Josh Taylor moves to number eight and Jordy Reid completes the back-row.

Michael Stronge retains the scrum-half shirt and Dan Jones returns to start at fly-half.

Jordan Holgate returns from injury to join Reuben Bird-Tulloch in the centres.

Tom Collins and Ben Harris start on the wings, with Michael Dykes keeping his place at fullback.

Ealing Trailfinders to face Ampthill:

  1. Elliot Chilvers
  2. Mike Willemse (c)
  3. Biyi Alo
  4. Bobby De Wee
  5. Matas Jurevicius
  6. Rob Farrar
  7. Jordy Reid
  8. Josh Taylor
  9. Michael Stronge
  10. Dan Jones
  11. Tom Collins
  12. Jordan Holgate
  13. Reuben Bird-Tulloch
  14. Ben Harris
  15. Michael Dykes
  16. Cam Terry
  17. Kyle Whyte
  18. Adam Nicol
  19. Geordie Irvine
  20. Siya Ningiza
  21. Craig Hampson
  22. Craig Willis
  23. Angus Kernohan

We can confirm that Scrum Coach Brett Wilkinson will be leaving the club after our April 19th fixture against Bedford Blues

Wilkinson, who was born in Grahamstown, South Africa, has played a key role in the coaching setup at Ealing Trailfinders, helping the club achieve remarkable success over recent years. 

He first joined the Trailfinders Rugby Academy at Brunel University as Forwards Coach in 2021 before moving up to the first team as Scrum and Transition Coach. In this role, he played a key part in enhancing the squad’s set-piece and forward play.

As a player, Wilkinson enjoyed a distinguished career as a prop, making 183 appearances for Connacht. He also earned five caps for Ireland ‘A’ and featured in a non-cap international against the Barbarians before a serious neck injury forced him into retirement.

Transitioning into coaching, Wilkinson gained experience in Ireland as Head Coach of All-Ireland League side Buccaneers before taking up roles in Hong Kong, where he coached HKU Sandy Bay in the Hong Kong Premiership, as well as the national team and the South China Tigers. 

His vast experience in elite-level rugby has been invaluable to Ealing over the past three seasons. During his time at Trailfinders, Wilkinson was part of the coaching staff that guided the team to the Championship title in 2023/24.

This season, he has continued to play a crucial role as the team aims for a third league title in four years.

He was also involved in the squad’s back-to-back Premiership Cup semi-final appearances and their Championship Cup triumph in 2022/23, where Ealing defeated Jersey Reds at Trailfinders Sports Ground.

Trailfinders Women Head Coach, Barney Maddison said: 

“I’ve really enjoyed working with Brett, both as a player and as well from a coaches perspective with the women’s side. His set-piece knowledge has been a huge asset for the club over the past few years. From a personal point of view he will be missed, but I wish him and his family all the best on their next adventure.

Director of Rugby, Ben Ward, paid tribute to Wilkinson’s contributions, saying: 

“In his time here, Brett has been an incredibly valued member of the club both on and off the field. His technical knowledge, work ethic, and ability to build strong relationships with the players have been key to our success in recent years.

While we are sad to see him go, myself and everyone at Ealing Trailfinders fully support his decision, thank him for his effort and dedication, and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career.”

Our Sponsors