News - Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club

Appreciation for our departing Trailfinders

Sunday’s PWR Final marked the end of a remarkable season for Trailfinders – and for some members of the squad, it was also the final chapter of their journey with the club.

Following a hard-fought final, we want to take a moment to recognise and thank those players who will be moving on at the end of the season for everything they have contributed both on and off the field.

In addition to Kate Zackary, whose departure from the club was announced last week, the following players will also move on after making their own lasting contributions to Trailfinders:

Amelia Buckland-Hurry
Cana Williams
Celia Quansah
Ellie Boatman
Emma Taylor
Georgia Ponsonby
Grace Moore
Isla Norman-Bell
Kim Grundy
Manon Johnes
Miça Evans
Mikiela Nelson
Sara Seye
Shannon Ikahihifo

As already announced, Shya Pinnock will join Exeter Chiefs and Cara Brincat will join Leicester Tigers for 26/27. Celia Quansah has also announced that she will retire from professional rugby after her appearance with Barbarians Women at the Allianz in Twickenham on Saturday 27 June, in which she scored a brilliant solo try.

Recognising their efforts, Head Coach, Barney Maddison said:

“Every player who joins this club adds something to the journey, and I’d like to thank each of those who will be moving on to a new challenge.

“This group has helped drive the standards, culture and performances that have brought us to a final, and they should be incredibly proud of the role they’ve played. Some have been with us for years, others for a shorter period, but all have contributed to the progress of this team.

“As we continue to evolve and shape our squad for next season, we do so with enormous appreciation for everything these players have given to the club.

“Their trail may now lead elsewhere, but they will always be part of this chapter in our history, and they each leave with our gratitude, respect and best wishes.

To those players departing, your contribution has helped build the programme to where it stands today, and you leave with the gratitude and best wishes of everyone associated to Trailfinders. Thank you for everything.

Match Report: PWR Final

Trailfinders Women fought valiantly in the PWR but fall short to Saracens.

Both teams started the Final oozing with great energy as the crowd at the Stoop brought their voices.

Saracens initially had the attack until Meg Jones broke down the right channel and passed to Vicky Laflin. A kick chase saw Isla Norman-Bell soar down the field but Saracens regrouped to defend in their half.

A knock on in Saracens’ 22 saw for the North London side have the scrum. Later passages of play saw Trailfinders re-gather the ball and continue with their waves of attack.

Pentrating down the wings, Trailfinders continued their attacking momentum. A cross-field kick from Claire Gallagher flew a touch too high for Grace White to gather on the wing, giving Saracens a lineout.

After ten minutes, the game remained scoreless.

A penalty from Trailfinders for not releasing saw Saracens kick to the corner for a five metre lineout. From short range, Saracens went over for the first score of the game. Julia Omokhuale was the try-scorer. Zoe Harrison added the conversion.

Trailfinders were determined to bounce back and reverted to attacking out wide. But Saracens’ defence proved strong and they secured a penalty in their 22.

Alysha Corrigan kicked and chased down field but Vicky Laflin gathered the ball and ran into contact. A kick battle ensued before Harrison opted for territory. Trailfinders had a lineout in their half.

Working the ball with hard carries from short range, Saracens went over for a second try scored by Marlie Packer. Harrison missed the conversion.

Saracens had the ball once more as the clock edged into the second quarter but a valiant defensive effort by Vicky Laflin saw Sarries dragged into touch. Yet, the women in yellow were on the defence yet again until Jess Breach opted for a grubber but the ball bounced into touch.

Trailfinders won their own penalty as Saracens failed to roll away from the tackle after an initial break down the centre channel. The women in yellow worked their way through the phases until a knock-on saw for a Saracens scrum.

Running the ball from the scrum, Trailfinders re-grouped but it was not enough as Packer went over for another try.

With momentum on their side, the North London outfit went side to side for their fourth try scored by Sydney Gregson.

A knock-on from the re-start gave Trailfinders a scrum on the edge of Saracens’ 22. An intercept turned into another wave of attack for Saracens and eventually saw Sophie De Goede pick the ball from the ruck and offload to her Canadian teammate Olivia Apps who scored the try. However, the referee’s attention was brought to a knock-on in the phases leading ip to the try and the fifth score was scrubbed off.

Trailfinders were not to be put down. A chip and chase from Claire Gallagher got Trailfinders back in the red zone. Another attacking wave saw Gabrielle Senft fly out of defence and she deliberately knocked on the ball and was quickly sent to the sin bin. Yet, a knock-on from the women in yellow ended the first half.

Half-time: Saracens 26-0 Trailfinders Women

Meg Jones put boot to ball to kick-start the second half. Packer gathered and Saracens moved into attack quickly with Jess Breach cutting down the middle to score under the posts. Harrison added the extras.

A seventh try for Saracens came from Corrigan after the women in black and red went wide. Harrison knocked the ball wide on the conversion.

The resilience shown by Trailfinders never faulted as on the 49th minute, they bouldered over with Maya Montiel coming away with the score. Rosie Inman slotted the conversion.

But Saracens replied quickly with another score. A break from De Goede set up her teammates for the score. Harrison was the try-scorer and she converted her own try.

Laflin put her hand up in Trailfinders’ attack as she broke down the right wing, chipped and chased her own kick, then made a successful tackle. Trailfinders were awarded with a lineout. Trailfinders went wide with the attack but Saracens dragged them into touch for their own lineout. Yet, Trailfinders were awarded another penalty with their put-in at the scrum.

Winning a scrum penalty, Trailfinders opted to kick for the corner in a bid to decrease the score deficit.

Playing with advantage, Trailfinders were going from short range. Packer was shown a yellow card for the accumulating penalties. Trailfinders kicked to the corner for a five metre lineout. Their efforts were rewarded with a second try from short range scored by Abi Burton. Niamh Gallagher added the conversion.

With Rachel Malcolm on the field, she gathered the ball and passed outside to Laflin who made another break down the right wing. Only two Saracens defenders were able to stop her.

Saracens had a lineout in their half and opted for the maul whilst Apps called for it and carried down the left channel.

Trailfinders had the put-in for a scrum then shifted the ball left. Saracens conceded another penalty and Jones opted for the corner as Packer returned to the field from her time in the sin bin.

With the clock ebbing towards the 80-minute mark, Trailfinders had a scrum in their 22. But Saracens won the ball back and proved relentless in attack. Quick hands saw Corrigan pass inside to Breach who touched the ball down for her second try of the match. Harrison added the extras.

Full-time: Saracens 52-14 Trailfinders Women

Saracens –

Tries: Julia Omokhuale 14, Marlie Packer 22 30, Sydney Gregson 33, Olivia Apps 36, Jess Breach 41 77, Alysha Corrigan 45, Zoe Harrison 53

Conversions: Zoe Harrison 14 30 33 41 53 78

Yellow cards: Gabrielle Senft, Marlie Packer

Trailfinders Women –

Tries: Maya Montiel 49, Abi Burton 65

Conversions: Rosie Inman 50, Niamh Gallagher 65

News, Team Lineup, Women's News

TRAILFINDERS ANNOUNCE LINEUP AHEAD OF PWR FINAL

Trailfinders Women announce their lineup to face Saracens in the PWR Final at the Twickenham Stoop.

The North vs West London clash will be played out at Twickenham Stoop on Sunday 28 June.

Kate Zackary will captain the side for her last match as a Trailfinder.

An international forward pack sees Alivia Leatherman at loosehead, Georgia Ponsonby at hooker and Maya Montiel at tighthead.

In the engine room, Scotland’s Emma Wassell and Black Fern Alana Borland link up.

Joining Zackary in the back row are Red Roses Haidee Head and Abi Burton.

An unchanged half-back pairing from the semi-final sees Isla Norman-Bell and Claire Gallagher return at 9 and 10 respectively.

Carys Cox moves to inside centre with Meg Jones starting on the outside.

Grace White and Vicky Laflin start on the wings with Rosie Inman at fullback.

Head Coach Barney Maddison has named a 6-2 bench split. Returning to the squad are Scotland skipper Rachel Malcolm and scrum-half Brooke Bradley.

Kick-off is at 3pm on Sunday 28 June at Twickenham Stoop.

Secure your tickets or watch the game live on TNT Sports.

Starting XV

15. Rosie Inman

14. Vicky Laflin

13. Meg Jones

12. Carys Cox

11. Grace White

10. Claire Gallagher

9. Isla Norman-Bell

1. Alivia Leatherman

2. Georgia Ponsonby

3. Maya Montiel

4. Emma Wassell

5. Alana Borland

6. Haidee Head

7. Kate Zackary (C)

8. Abi Burton

Replacements

16. Cris Blanco

17. Annabel Meta

18. Cassandra Tuffnail

19. Emma Taylor

20. Rachel Malcolm

21. Sally Williams

22. Brooke Bradley

23. Niamh Gallagher

News

Kate Zackary to depart Trailfinders

Kate Zackary will depart Trailfinders Women at the conclusion of the season.

When Trailfinders Women take to the field on Sunday, it will mark the end of an important chapter for one of the players who has helped build the team from the very beginning, bringing to a close a remarkable spell in green and white. Equally influential on and off the field, the USA international has played a key role in helping to drive the culture and standards that have helped the team reach it’s first-ever final.

In a message to supporters, Kate said:

I want to give a massive thanks for everything over the last three seasons. London wasn’t my first choice when the time came, but it’s become a favourite of mine, and a second home away from home for me. And that’s in part to you all – my teammates, my coaches, but also all the fans and supporters who have grown and backed us over the last three seasons.

“It’s thanks to you truly. Coming out in droves, no matter the weather, no matter the travel, so thank you again. And more importantly, what I have to say, is ‘see you Sunday’. Please bring the noise, back us all the way, and I can’t wait to connect with you one more time afterwards.”

Hear Kate’s full message on our socials.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Trailfinders Women (@trailfinderswomen)

Speaking on Kate’s contribution, Head Coach Barney Maddison said:

“Kate has been outstanding for this club. As one of the players who has been here since day one, she has played a huge role in the journey of this team and helped lay the foundations for what we have become.

“What she has contributed both on and off the pitch has been first class. She is a natural leader whose standards, professionalism and commitment have had a positive impact on everyone around her.

“Kate leaves having made a lasting mark on this club, and we thank her for everything she has given in a Trailfinders shirt. We wish her every success in what she chooses to do next.”

Everyone associated with Trailfinders would like to place on record their sincere thanks for Kate’s efforts in green and white during her time here, and invite supporters to show their appreciation on Sunday.

News

MAX NAGY SIGNS FOR TRAILFINDERS

Ealing Trailfinders are delighted to confirm the signing of Max Nagy, from United Rugby Championship side, Ospreys.

A dynamic and versatile back-three player, Nagy arrives in Ealing with top-level experience and a reputation for his attacking threat, athleticism and ability under the high ball.

Having established himself as a regular at one of Wales’ leading professional sides, he now becomes the latest addition to Ben Ward’s squad ahead of the new campaign.

Speaking after joining Ealing Trailfinders, Nagy said:

“It’s brilliant to be here. The club has a winning mentality of the club; good history, and has won the Championship several times. There’s also strong competition for places, with quality players throughout the squad who have played all over the world, so I’m excited to test myself against some of the best in the country.”

Director of Rugby, Ben Ward said:

“Max is a player we’ve admired for a number of years. With Tobi moving to Bristol, we were looking for someone who could come in at full-back and bring real quality under the high ball, attack the line, communicate well and connect play. He enjoyed some excellent seasons under Toby Booth at Ospreys, and we believe he has all the attributes to fit seamlessly into our environment and make a real impact.”

News

EALING TRAILFINDERS SIGN HALF-BACK PAIRING FROM SARACENS

Ealing Trailfinders are delighted to announce the half-back pairing of Gareth Simpson and Louie Johnson who move from North to West London.

Experienced scrum-half Gareth Simpson and young fly-half Louie Johnson make the move to W13 from NW4.

With experience in the Currie Cup for the Durban-based Sharks and in the Gallagher Prem with former club Saracens, Simpson offers great depth at scrum-half. The 28-year-old also founded Rugby Recycled in 2011, a charitable outfit to help make rugby accessible to all through the collection and donation of rugby kit.

23-year-old Johnson can play fullback as well as fly-half, though his primary position falls in the half-backs. He has represented England at U20s age-grade level and has appeared thirteen times for the North London outfit across the Prem and Prem Cup this season.

On signing for Ealing Trailfinders, Simpson said:

‘I am extremely excited to be joining Ealing Trailfinders. Having spoken to the coaches, a few players and following the progress of the team over the last few seasons, it is an environment that I can’t wait to be a part of.

‘I am looking forward to working hard and making memories over the next few years.’

Johnson added his thoughts on his move to West London:

‘I’m really excited to be joining Ealing Trailfinders. I’m looking forward to the challenge of competing for a trophy and joining up with my new teammates who I’m sure will be relishing the same challenge. It’s an exciting time for the club and I can’t wait to be involved.’

Director of Rugby Ben Ward said:

‘Gareth is a player that we’ve looked at for a number of years. We like Gareth a lot. He’s left-footed and a lot of our tens are right-footed so Gareth offers a different combination.

‘He plays a good tempo and kicking game. We wanted our halfbacks to be strong positions for us this season and we definitely think at nine, Gareth really adds to that group.

‘Louie fits the profile of the player we’re looking for. We feel that he’s a fly-half on the up. He has good attributes at ten with a strong rugby brain with great kicking and passing ability.

‘He’s a prospect we’re really excited about and think will thrive at Ealing Trailfinders. We’re an attacking team and need our fly-half to be able to play on the front foot and I think Louie is someone who can do that very well.’

News

EALING TRAILFINDERS SIGN EXPERIENCED PROP SAM GRAHAMSLAW

Ealing Trailfinders are delighted to announce the signing of loosehead prop Sam Grahamslaw.

Grahamslaw joins the Club from Bristol Bears and will add to the depth of the Club’s front row.

An experienced player, Grahamslaw has represented teams in the United Rugby Championship and the Gallagher Prem, bringing that experience to the green and white jersey.

Grahamslaw has also been capped for Scotland U20s.

On signing for the Club, Grahamslaw said:

‘I’m really excited to be joining the club, it’s a quality squad and a great set up. Ealing have big ambitions and it’s something I want to be a part of.

‘I’m looking forward to getting stuck in, working hard and helping build on what they’ve achieved over the last few seasons.’

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby, added:

‘We best know Sam from when he was at Jersey. He’s one of the best set-piece props that we’ve played against.

‘After losing Lefty from last season, it was really important to bring in new players that can add to the front row. Sam is one of those players. He’s a very strong scrummager and as a team, a lot of our power generates from that area. We think he’ll help us stay on the front foot in matches.’

News, Women's News

Two Trailfinders set to feature in Barbarians Women clash against Wales

Amelia Buckland-Hurry and Celia Quansah have been selected to represented Barbarians Women against Wales.

Barbarians Women have named their final nine players to complete their squad ahead of the game against Wales at Allianz Stadium on Saturday 27th June.

Amelia Buckland-Hurry will join a roster of internationals in the forward pack for the fixture.

In the backline, Celia Quansah will link up with back three talent including World Cup winner Ruby Tui.

The exciting, hugely experienced squad of 23 will take on Wales at Allianz Stadium as part of a Barbarians double header with the Men’s team facing the same opposition early that day.

Coached by highly respected duo of Susie Appleby and Sarah Hunter, the squad, made up of nine nationalities and featuring more than 700 international test caps, will face a Wales side fresh off the back of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

Barbarian F.C Women’s lead Fiona Stockley said:

‘We are delighted to name a Barbarians squad with over 700 international caps which continues to show the statute and respect that the club holds in the game.

‘Players will be coming together from around the world to prepare for the test match against Wales, who will in true Barbarians style spend a week building connections that will allow us to play with flair and passion on the 27th of June.

‘Across both the men’s and women’s teams we are able to represent the club and showcase the very best of top flight rugby. We know the competition between the Barbarians and Wales will be fierce and will provide a great entertainment for all of the supporters joining us at Allianz Stadium for our double header match.’

Since its formation in 2017 Barbarians Women has been at the forefront of the game, showcasing the values and spirit of Barbarian F.C. The previous outing against Wales (November 2019) saw a 29-15 victory for the Barbarians at Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

News

Match Round-up: PWR Semi-final, Gloucester-Hartpury vs Trailfinders Women

GLOUCESTER HARTPURY VS TRAILFINDERS WOMEN

Trailfinders Women beat Gloucester-Hartpury away from home in our first ever PWR semi-final.

Tries from Georgia Ponsonby, Meg Jones, Emma Uren and a double from Isla Norman-Bell secured us a hard fought victory against the reigning PWR champions, earning us a place in our first ever PWR final on the 28th June at Twickenham Stoop.

Trailfinders kicked off to Gloucester-Hartpury in front of a roaring Queensholm crowd, with dry conditions and a tense atmosphere setting the scene for an exciting match!

Carys Cox was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock on in our 22 as a Gloucester-Hartpury attack looked threatening. With a player in the bin, Gloucester-Hartpury scored through Tatyana Heard, and Lleucu George converted to give them an early lead.

After driving up-field from a penalty kick to touch, Trailfinders Women put in a fantastic collection of phases in the Gloucester-Hartpury 22, resulting in Georgia Ponsonby diving over from close range to score a try just four minutes after Heard’s score. Niamh Gallagher couldn’t add the extras, but we had narrowed the gap with just 14 players on the field.

With momentum on our side Trailfinders Women attacked again, as the pack drove us forwards with some brutal carries. Claire Gallagher grubbered the ball through a splintered defensive line, and Meg Jones profited for our second try. Niamh Gallagher nailed the conversion to extend our lead to 7-12.

After some kick tennis between the two sides, Claire Gallagher spotted some space and cleared the ball forward, pinning her ears back to secure the bouncing ball, before offloading to Isla Norman-Bell, who ran in to score under the posts. From out in front Niamh Gallagher scored the conversion to extend our lead, with five minutes left of the half.

In the final five minutes of the half, Trailfinders Women started building phases in the Gloucester-Hartpury 22. Eventually their defence narrowed, and a crossfield kick found its way into Meg Jones’ hands, she stepped off her left and cut back in, before Emma Uren hit the ball at pace coming round the corner for a switch and dove over for our fourth try on the stroke of half-time. From the touchline Niamh Gallagher’s conversion sailed slightly wide of the uprights, but we headed back into the changing rooms at half-time with a 17 point lead.

Half-time Gloucester-Hartpury 7-24 Trailfinders Women

After five minutes of pressure from Gloucester-Hartpury they eventually scored when they span the ball wide to Rachel Lund, and George scored the conversion from out on the left.

Georgia Brock burrowed over from close range for Gloucester-Hartpury’s third try, and George added the extras to narrow the scores. Alivia Leatherman was also sent to the sin bin for repeated Trailfinders Women infringements.

From out of nowhere Carys Cox cut inside and broke the line leaving multiple defenders in her wake, before offloading to the onrushing Isla Norman-Bell, who grabbed her second try of the game under the posts. However Niamh Gallagher ran out of time on the shot clock for her conversion attempt.

Despite some ferocious defence from Trailfinders Women, Hannah Dallavalle eventually scored out wide on the left. However they didn’t make the conversion, with George running out of time too.

With the clock in the red Gloucester-Hartpury tried to play out their own half, but after a knock on Isla Norman-Bell booted the ball to touch to end the game, with Trailfinders Women booking their place in the PWR final.

Full-time Gloucester-Hartpury 26-29 Trailfinders Women

Gloucester-Hartpury: 26

Tries – Tatyana Heard 10, Rachel Lund 46, Georgia Brock 51 Hannah Dallavalle 68

Conversions – Lleucu George 11 47 52

Trailfinders Women: 29

Tries – Georgia Ponsonby 14, Meg Jones 20, Isla Norman-Bell 34 53, Emma Uren 40

Conversions – Niamh Gallagher 21 35

Yellow Cards – Carys Cox 9, Alivia Leatherman 51

News

PWR Final: Ticket Information

For the first time in our history, Trailfinders Women are heading to the PWR Final.

After an incredible contest at Queensholm, with Trailfinders picking up a 29-26 victory over the reigning champions, Gloucester-Hartpury, we will make the trip on Sunday 28th June to The Stoop to face Saracens.

Tickets have already been selling for the PWR Final, but if you’d like to be with your fellow Trailfinders for this one, then we have been allocated the South Stand at The Stoop.

Click below to get exclusive access to our area, with Adults priced at £15, and U18s at £5.

GET TICKETS

For accessible tickets support, please email supporterservice@quins.co.uk