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Lineup: Exeter Chiefs vs Trailfinders Women

Trailfinders Women name their lineup to play Exeter Chiefs in the PWR Cup.

Head Coach Barney Maddison makes three changes to the starting XV that played Harlequins a fortnight ago.

Emma Taylor and Brooke Bradley remain as co-captains for Saturday’s Round Three clash.

Charlie Holland and Annabel Meta keep their places in the back row, with Haidee Head coming back into the side.

Ella Amory and Vicky Laflin move from the replacements to start at fly-half and fullback, respectively.

Cana Williams, Niamh Swailes and Cassandra Tuffnail all keep their places in the front row. Cara Brincat partners Taylor in the second row.

Niamh Gallagher shifts into the centres alongside Jess Cooksey. Rosie Inman and Grace White remain unchanged on the wings.

Trailfinders Rugby Academy players Hayley Jones, Isla Pomroy, Scarlet Down, Sophie Molton and Immy Wilcox are amongst the replacements.

Kick-off is at 13:00 on Saturday 20th September at Sandy Park.

Starting XV:

15. Vicky Laflin

14. Grace White

13. Niamh Gallagher

12. Jess Cooksey

11. Rosie Inman

10. Ella Amory

9. Brooke Bradley (cc)

1.  Cana Williams

2. Niamh Swailes

3. Cassandra Tuffnail

4. Emma Taylor (cc)

5. Cara Brincat

6. Charlie Holland

7. Annabel Meta

8. Haidee Head

Replacements:

16. Hayley Jones

17. Miça Evans

18. Isla Pomroy

19. Amelia Buckland-Hurry

20. Scarlet Down

21. Sophie Molton

22. Immy Wilcox

23. Ellie Lennon

MEGAN JONES JOINS TRAILFINDERS WOMEN

We are thrilled to announce the signing of Red Roses vice-captain, Megan Jones ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Jones, highly accomplished as both a centre and fly-half, brings a wealth of knowledge to the pitch, along with a distinguished career in both 15s and 7s rugby.

Previously impressing for both Bristol Bears and Wasps, she joined Leicester Tigers ahead of the 2023/24 season, where she further enhanced her reputation as one of England’s top centres.

Jones made her international debut for England at just 18 years old, when she faced New Zealand in 2015. Since then, she has accumulated 24 caps for the Red Roses, playing a key role in some of the team’s most successful campaigns.

An integral part in England’s title-winning performance at the inaugural WXV tournament in New Zealand, Jones was named in John Mitchell’s squad for the 2024 Six Nations, which resulted in a Grand Slam victory. Jones was then named vice-captain ahead of this year’s edition and has recorded 3 tries and 3 assists for the Roses in the competition so far.

Beyond her 15s career, Jones has excelled in 7s rugby as well, winning gold with Team GB at the 2023 European Games in Poland. In June 2024, she was named in the British squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics, showcasing her versatility and commitment to the game at the highest level.

Speaking on her signing, Jones said:

“I’m really looking forward to joining Trailfinders Women and challenging myself in a new environment. The Club has that community feel which I love, and there’s a passion and ambition to push on that really excites me. I really like the way the team play, and I can’t wait to join up with the group and get going.”

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added:

“Megan is a world-class player with a remarkable rugby pedigree. Her experience both at the domestic and international levels will bring invaluable leadership to our squad.

“We’re thrilled to have her join the club and look forward to seeing her elevate our game both on and off the pitch.”

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LineUp: Trailfinders Women v Exeter Chiefs

Trailfinders Women announce their lineup to take on Exeter Chiefs at TFSC.

There are four changes to the starting XV that defeated Harlequins in the Allianz Cup 7th-placed playoff.

Elisa RIffonneau and Andrea Stock start in the front row, joining Liz Crake, who starts at loosehead.

Trailfinders Women welcome back Shannon Ikahihifo from Ireland duty, a key player who will be starting alongside Shya Pinnock in the second row.

The back row is unchanged as Amanda McQuade, Megan Barwick and Rowena Burnfield all return.

Emma Swords and Ellie Green both keep their place in the half-backs.

Abby Dow starts at outside centre on her return from England’s Grand Slam campaign, with Abi Burton partnering her.

The back three is unchanged, with Liz Musgrove, Rosie Inman, and Vicky Laflin keeping their place.

Trailfinders Women to face Exeter Chiefs:

1 Liz Crake

2 Elisa Riffonneau

3 Andrea Stock

4 Shya Pinnock

5 Shannon Ikahihifo

6 Amanda McQuade

7 Megan Barwick

8 Rowena Burnfield

9 Emma Swords

10 Ellie Green

11 Liz Musgrove

12 Abi Burton

13 Abby Dow

14 Rosie Inman

15 Vicky Laflin

16 Kie Tamai

17 Kira Leat

18 Thea Sylvester

19 Charlotte Chesire

20 Lauryn Walter

21 Ella Amory

22 Sam Shiels

23 Lauren Knowler

Ticketing Update

All Trailfinders Women season ticket holders will be able to access Sunday’s Allianz Cup fixture using their regular season ticket.

Welcome to Trailfinders Women, Steven Shingler!

Trailfinders Women are thrilled to announce that Steven Shingler will join their ranks as an assistant coach from the start of the 24/25 season.

Shingler has decided to step back from professional rugby after a 15-year playing career spanning five clubs and four competitions.

The Fly-Half and Centre for Ealing Trailfinders is club captain and has been for the past two seasons, winning two Championship Cups and a Championship title.

During his playing career, Shingler was a vital part of the leadership group at Ealing Trailfinders and played a crucial role in running their attack.

In tandem with his successful playing career, the Welshman has been a coach for the last eight years.

He started at his local club, Hendy RFC, gaining promotion, moving to London Welsh for the previous five seasons, helping the club climb from London 2 North West to Regional 1 South Central.

Speaking on his appointment to the role at Trailfinders Women, Shingler said,

“It’s an honour to join Trailfinders Women at this point in their journey. It’s an exciting opportunity for me to join full-time and help improve the team. The group has the potential to compete with the best in the league, and I am thrilled to be joining.”

Women’s Director of Rugby Giselle Mather said, “I am delighted that Steven is joining the coaching team for next season. He has an excellent rugby IQ, honed over a number of competitive years, both as a player and a coach, and his enthusiasm to develop both the team and the individuals progress is palpable.

“His attention to detail, high standards and drive for excellence will be invaluable to the group as we enter our second season. We are very much looking forward to welcoming him aboard!”

Welcome Lou Dodd!

Trailfinders Women are thrilled to announce the signing of Lou Dodd!

The 29-year-old previously played under Giselle Mather at Wasps, reaching two league semi-finals.

The centre is a sergeant in the army and is joining the army reserves next month to focus on her rugby. She has represented the army rugby and Combined Services rugby teams.

After joining Trailfinders, the centre said: “I am really excited about what’s coming at Trailfinders this season. It’s been a slightly slow start for me being injured, but I’ve already had the pleasure of using the incredible facilities at TFSC and have had brilliant treatment from the physios!

“I can already see the potential of the team, and I love having the opportunity to play alongside some of the best rugby players in the world!”

Director of Rugby Giselle Mather said: “Lou is an experienced centre, a very dynamic carrier of the ball and has a genuine energy and enthusiasm for everything they do in their preparation on and off the field.

“They already have premiership experience under their belt and have been a key player in the army rugby union side for a number of years. We are really looking forward to seeing the contribution they will make to Trailfinders Women, a huge welcome aboard Lou.”

Welcome Carys Cox!

Trailfinders Women are very excited to announce the signing of Welsh international Carys Cox.

On her return from WXV in New Zealand, Cox joins Trailfinders following her departure from Worcester Warriors.

She qualifies for Wales through her father, having represented England at U20 level.

The centre/winger gained her 2nd and 3rd caps for her nation at WXV after making her debut against the USA this year.

Away from rugby, Cox has two first class degrees in Sports Science and Nursing.

After joining Trailfinders Women, Cox Said: “Its been a really exciting opportunity to join such an aspiring club which I am very grateful to be a part of. I am looking forward and motivated to helping the team progress and succeed in the PWR.”

Director of Rugby Giselle Mather said: “Carys joins us at a very exciting time in her career. Fresh on the international stage and brimming with energy and talent, we are really excited to be helping her develop that talent to make a real impact both at Trailfinders Women and on the international stage. A huge welcome aboard Carys!”

Welcome Cassandra Tuffnail!

Trailfinders are thrilled to announce the signing of Cassandra Tuffnail!

The Canadian International is a product of the Trailfinders Rugby Academy, having represented Brunel University Women’s Rugby.

Tuffnail made her international debut in a 66-7 victory over South Africa in March.

At Brunel, the Prop completed her MSc in Physiotherapy following her BSc in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph.

After joining Trailfinders, Tuffnail said, “I am so grateful for the opportunity to join Trailfinders. When I moved to the UK to complete my studies at Brunel University, I did not expect to be playing Premiership Rugby by the end of it.”

“I am really looking forward to developing as a player in this environment to become the best player I can be. I’m incredibly excited to be a part of this squad of strong women looking to make their mark in the Allianz PWR in our first-ever season!”

Director of Rugby Giselle Mather said: “Cassie has spent the last three years in our Brunel University pathway under the tutelage of Steve Wagstaff, our Head of Program, who has nurtured her talent to get her to this point.

“Cassie is a modern-day tight-head who scrummages well and is dynamic in the loose with great hands and a wicked turn of pace! We are delighted that she is to continue her journey with Trailfinders Women and hope that several others from our Brunel Pathway will follow suit in the future.”

Allianz PWR Announce the Powered Differently Campaign!

A new era for women’s rugby kicks off on Saturday afternoon as the inaugural Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby campaign gets underway with The Takeoff.

Four matches will get the ball rolling as the biggest stars in women’s rugby face off weekly in the hope of being crowned the best team in England.

This year sees two new sides enter the fray as both Trailfinders Women and Leicester Tigers play their first league games on the opening weekend.

Each open their account at home, with Trailfinders Women taking on Harlequins in a London derby on Saturday.

“It’s going to be everything,” Trailfinders fly-half Julia Schell said.

“It’s such an exciting time in women’s rugby in general, but also to be starting with a new club in PWR is such a cool experience.

“I haven’t played in PWR before, so getting to lead that legacy with the whole team is half the excitement, aside from all the amazing rugby we’re going to play this year.”

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