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.”

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.”

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.”

We are pleased to announce that Scott Buckley has signed a permanent deal with the Club.

The Irish hooker has impressed at Trailfinders Sports Club after joining on loan from Munster back in February this year.

The 25-year-old made his debut against London Scottish in the Premiership Cup, which secured Trailfinders’ place in the knockout stages of the competition.

He scored two tries in his first home appearance for the Club against Nottingham as we ran out 82-5 victors.

On making the switch permanent, Buckley said: 

“I’m delighted to have officially signed with Ealing Trailfinders for the coming season. During my period on loan here, I have really enjoyed my rugby and there is a tight group of lads here who have all been very welcoming.

“It’s very exciting to be part of such an ambitious and high-performing Club with a brilliant coaching team, who I’m grateful for giving me these opportunities over the past few months. I’m excited about what’s to come from this group!”

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, commented: 

“We are really pleased to be able to bring in Scott on a permanent basis. He came in midway through last season, worked hard, and he fit in right away. He’s a great option for us at hooker, and I’m excited to see what he can achieve in the 2025-26 campaign.”

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.”

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