We are pleased to confirm that Miça Evans has signed a new contract with the club ahead of the new season.
The forward, who previously represented England at U20 level, is a strong scrummager and highly versatile forward. Evans brings significant experience to the front row, having previously played for Saracens and Wasps.
Known for her physicality and technical ability, she has excelled in both set-piece and open play, providing invaluable depth to the squad.
On her extension, Evans said:
“I’m really looking to the new season at Trailfinders. I think the way we want to play is exciting and reflects our ambitions.
“I’m excited for the cup and opportunities whilst the internationals are away, and can’t wait to see what the season brings.”
Head Coach, Barney Maddison added:
“Miça’s a really valuable member of the team. Her presence around the group and on the field make her a real asset to have, and we’re pleased to have her back with us for another season.”
We are pleased to announce that Cara Brincat has signed a contract extension with the club.
The 25-year-old has been a dynamic presence in the back row, bringing a relentless work rate and physicality to the squad.
Cara spent seven seasons at Worcester Warriors before joining Trailfinders and has represented England at U18 and U20 levels, as well as in sevens at U18 level.
On her contract extension, Cara said:
“I’m grateful to be re-signing with Trailfinders! It hasn’t been the smoothest ride with injuries, but I’m buzzing for this season’s comeback.
“The team is building something special, and I can’t wait to get stuck in and keep pushing forward with the squad.”
Head Coach, Barney Maddison, commented:
“Cara’s been out for a long time with injury, it’s probably a testament to how hard she’s worked to getting back to being fully fit.
“To see her back out on the pitch will be a reflection of her attitude towards her training.”
We are delighted to confirm that Charlie Holland has signed a contract extension.
Holland, who has previously played for Exeter Chiefs Women, Richmond, and Wasps Women, signed for Trailfinders Women in June 2023.
Despite facing significant setbacks with ACL injuries in October 2022 and again in June 2024, she has shown remarkable determination in her recovery.
Her powerful ball-carrying and defensive work have been valuable assets when on the field, and her commitment to the squad is a testament to her resilience and passion for the game.
On her contract extension, Charlie said:
“So excited to be resigning with Trailfinders Women – there’s nowhere else I’d rather spend my comeback year.
“The girls are great, the coaching staff are great and it’s a really high-performance environment. I’m really excited to get on the field.”
Head Coach, Barney Maddison, commented:
“Charlie’s had a really tough time with injury recently, so it’s really great seeing her back out on the pitch.
“To have her back, having a full pre-season under her belt, we’re looking forward to seeing what she can do.”
We are pleased to confirm the signing of Kim Grundy.
A talented winger, Grundy joins from RAF Rugby Union having also previous turned out in Premier 15s with Bristol Bears Women, honing her abilities in top-flight rugby.
Known for her intelligent positioning and instinctive sense of space, Grundy consistently poses a threat from the flank. Her dynamic style of play and sharp finishing ability make her a constant challenge for opposition defences, with a fitness level that allows her to maintain intensity.
On signing for Trailfinders, Kim said:
“I’m really pleased to be joining Trailfinders, it means a lot to be here after having this goal before deploying during the 23/24 season. The team’s dynamic and ambition for a top-four finish coincide with my competitive drive, so I’m gassed to get involved as we head into the season.”
Head Coach, Barney Maddison added:
“Kim is coming in from the RAF, she’s an exciting player out on the wing and we’re really looking forward to her joining the group.
“It’s also really great opportunity to create a connection with the RAF, and it’ll be great to see Kim on a full-time basis training and playing with us.”
We have reached an agreement to release Chloe Rollie from her contract by mutual consent, allowing her to explore an opportunity overseas.
Rollie joined Trailfinders from Loughborough Lightning in 2024, having previously played for Exeter Chiefs Women and Harlequins Women, where she was part of the squad that claimed the Premiership Women’s Rugby title in 2021.
With a distinguished career in both 15s and 7s, Rollie has been a key figure for Scotland Women, earning 75 caps since making her debut in the 2015 Women’s Six Nations against France, scoring 26 tries.
She was also part of the squad for the 2021 Rugby World Cup and represented Scotland Sevens in their 2017 Rugby Europe Women’s Sevens Trophy win.
Speaking on her departure Rollie said:
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Trailfinders. I’ve made lifelong friends, played alongside amazing teammates and got to work with staff who pushed me to always do better.
“I am gutted to be leaving so quickly as I think this team is going to go places. I felt I fitted into the environment really well, but an opportunity that I didn’t think would come my way has, so for me personally, I think it’s the right choice and time to take it.
“I’d like to give a massive thanks to everyone who has supported me and the team, I was so welcomed by the fans and made to feel part of the family from day one.
“I wish the group well and all the success in the upcoming season, and I’ll see you all soon, I’m sure.”
On Chloe’s departure, Head Coach, Barney Maddison, added:
“Chloe’s been a huge asset for us since she arrived here at the club. On the pitch, her dynamism, ability to create opportunities and positivity have been invaluable, but equally her character and qualities away from the pitch on the day-to-day has been really special and something
“She goes with our full support and best wishes for the future, and we hope we’ll see her again soon.”
Everyone at the club would like to thank Chloe for her efforts during her time with us and wish her all the best in the next chapter of her career.
We are pleased to announce that Emma Uren has signed a new contract with Trailfinders Women.
Born in Chiswick, a multi-sport upbringing aided Uren’s rise to a decorated international Sevens career through which she became an Olympian for England and Team GB in both the 2020 and 2024 Olympics. She was also named captain of the GB Sevens team for the 2024-25 SVNS series.
Uren signed for Trailfinders ahead of the 2023/2024 season, having previously represented Saracens in Premier 15s. A dynamic option on the wing, Uren’s versatility also makes her a threat across the field and a reliable member of the squad.
Speaking on her new contract, Uren said:
“I’m super excited to sign another year at Trailfinders. Every season the club has grown, and I think this one will be no different.
“The club allows us to play what we see and I think that is a style of rugby that really suits me. I can’t wait to see what impact we can have on the league this year, and I’m looking forward to bringing my game to that.
“It’s going to be really nice to spend more time down at the club this season, alongside such an amazing group of players and coaching staff and to see where this year takes me.”
Head Coach, Barney Maddison said:
“Emma Uren is a fantastic rugby player coming off the back of a couple of really strong Sevens seasons skippering the squad.
“It’s great we’re able to get her here on a more regular basis, and she’ll add some great leadership to the group.”
We are thrilled to announce the signing of Isla Norman-Bell.
Born in Gillingham and brought up in New Zealand from the age of two, Norman-Bell brought a kiwi flare to the international stage for both England and Team GB.
A lightning quick threat on the field, the playmaking Olympian boasts significant international pedigree accumulated and finely tuned on the Sevens circuit.
Upon signing for Trailfinders Women, Norman-Bell said:
“I’m super pleased to be joining Trailfinders, and the opportunity to be back playing 15s this season.
“This is a top four team, and I can’t wait to test myself in the PWR. Barney’s vision and style of play will really suit my skillset. I’m able to play a structured game but thrive when given the freedom to play what I see, and that was a deciding factor when choosing the right club for me.”
Head Coach, Barney Maddison said:
“Isla’s a really exciting player. She’s been fantastic on the Sevens circuit for Team GB over the past couple of seasons.
“I love that we can bring her into the fifteens game – I think she’s going to be an exciting prospect.”
We are thrilled to announce the signing of Olympian winger Celia Quansah ahead of the new season.
The 29-year-old brings a wealth of experience and an exciting attacking threat to the Trailfinders Women backline.
Quansah’s rugby journey began at Loughborough University, where she broke through with Loughborough Lightning in the Premier 15s at the age of 21. She has since gone on to represent Leicester Tigers and Wasps at club level.
Quansah has also made her mark on the international stage in Sevens, scoring over 20 tries on the World Sevens Series. She was selected for the GB 7s squad for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, narrowly missing out on a medal, but showcasing her talent on the world’s biggest stage.
On joining the club, Quansah said:
“I’m super excited to be moving home to London and joining the Trailfinders family. I’ve been really interested in the team, having watched them in the PWR in their first two seasons. You can really tell the ambition of the club, even just from the outside looking in, and I knew that was something I wanted to be a part of.”
Speaking on the style of play at Trailfinders, Quansah commented:
“I love the free-flowing rugby, for me, having spent the majority of my career so far in Sevens, being part of a team that isn’t afraid to use their backs and play into open space is important to me, and I know that Trailfinders are willing to do that.
“I think they just play some exciting rugby that I just wanted to get stuck in with. I know a few of the girls from sevens and from rugby in general, and I know there’s a great vibe at the club, which again is important to me. I can’t wait to join and I’m looking forward to a great season ahead.”
Head Coach, Barney Maddison, added:
“Celia’s an outstanding athlete with proven quality. She brings pace and a real eye for the try line.
“We’re delighted to welcome her to the club and look forward to seeing her in our colours this season.”
Ealing Trailfinders and Brunel University of London sign for 10 more years of ‘most comprehensive rugby university academy in Europe’.
Ealing Trailfinders and Brunel University of London have signed a 10-year renewal agreement that will continue to enable students to combine top-level rugby with their academic studies – and build on the Trailfinders Rugby Academy’s many successes.
The professional team has overseen the performance rugby programmes at Brunel since the partnership launched in 2018. Now more than 500 student players have benefited from the team’s coaches, strength and conditioning staff, their analysts and medical experts – plus access to the club’s two 4G pitches, two gyms and medical area – as part of the Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Scholarship Programme.
Among them are more than 25 players who have represented Ealing Trailfinders, Championship Rugby’s back-to-back winning champions, and more than 20 who have played for Trailfinders Women in the Premiership.
- Josh Taylor (2024 graduate, Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences) played for Scotland’s back row in the Under-20s Six Nations
- Elliot Chilvers (2022 graduate, Marketing Management) was in the first-ever cohort of the Trailfinders Rugby Academy, and made his debut in 2021 for the Club
- Lefty Zigiriadis (2023 graduate, Economics and Accounting) made his debut at the end of the 2022/23 season and has since established himself as a regular starter within the Ealing Trailfinders team
- Maud Muir (2022 graduate, Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences) has not represented Trailfinders, but has won 40 caps as a prop for England, including back-to-back Grand Slams in the Six Nations and playing in the Women’s Rugby World Cup
Many of the players are enjoying continuing success at Ealing Trailfinders, with others going on to play for other clubs such as Saracens, Toulon, Scarlets, Glasgow and Edinburgh – or, in Muir’s case, Gloucester-Hartpury, with whom she has won two Premiership league titles.
The seven years of the partnership so far have seen multiple promotions for Brunel’s teams, with the women’s side now in the top flight of university rugby, and the launch of the Brunel’s men’s side in the RFU league. This has been supercharged by the opening in 2021 of a £2 million high-performance training facility on Brunel’s Uxbridge-based campus.
The extension of the scholarship programme in 2021 to include women was foundational to Ealing’s aims to build a world-class hub for female rugby players, and was the catalyst for the launch of the Trailfinders Women squad, who are already competing in the country’s top league.
Ben Ward, Ealing Trailfinders’ Director of Rugby and Manager Director, said:
“We’re thrilled to be working in close partnership with Brunel for the next 10 years. We view our partnership as a unique set-up for rugby in this country, by linking our academy with a university – and with Brunel’s sporting prowess. Our ongoing long-term partnership confirms Ealing Trailfinders’ and Brunel’s commitment to build the most comprehensive rugby university academy in Europe.”
Gareth Rise, manager of the Ealing Trailfinders Academy, said:
“This partnership is the centrepiece of our academy strategy for both men and women players at Ealing Trailfinders. The renewal means the academy, and the ever-growing talent pool that is developing at Brunel, will go from strength to strength.
“It’s important to note that the programme doesn’t just produce great rugby players,” he added. “It also produces academically minded individuals who have made waves off the pitch.”
In addition to players who have secured places on sought-after graduate schemes, Simone Panella (2024 graduate, Business and Management) set up Dyamotech, a company specialising in wearable technology designed to monitor head impacts in sports, which led to his being crowned Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Hillingdon Business Awards. Many Brunel students have had internship opportunities at the club, such as in physiotherapy and coaching, and Callum Macaulay (2020 graduate, Sports, Health and Exercise Sciences) has risen to become the club’s Head of Performance Analysis.
Professor Jonathan Wastling, Brunel’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, added:
“Our partnership with Ealing Trailfinders has been transformational for Brunel’s rugby talent, with our university rugby teams thriving and many of our stars going on to play for Ealing’s men’s and women’s sides. It’s also been a huge boost for all the students who have immersed themselves in the academy’s ecosystem to develop their professional skills.
“It’s a demonstration of a strong partnership that delivers benefits for the local community and beyond, and I’m delighted that we will have another decade of success.”
The Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Scholarship Programme offers bursary and financial assistance with university accommodation and tuition fees for the most promising players from around the world who wish to develop their rugby career alongside studying for a degree. For more information, and to apply, visit www.brunel.ac.uk/ealing-trailfinders.