Loosehead prop Alivia Leatherman has been selected to represent the USA ahead of the Pacific Four Series. 

Leatherman is selected once more to represent the Eagles after playing for her country at the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

USA Rugby Head Coach Jack Hanratty and staff have named the 32-player squad to represent the USA Women’s Eagles in the upcoming 2026 Pacific Four Series. Entering a fresh Rugby World Cup cycle, the roster signals a new era for the Women’s Eagles, featuring a blend of veteran mainstays and an influx of emerging talent.

This PAC4 series marks the first competitive outing under newly appointed Head Coach Jack Hanratty.

“This is an incredibly unique time for this program,” said Hanratty. “We are entering year 1 of a new journey with new players, coaches, and staff moving forward together – working collaboratively with the chance to put our work on the home stage in three different USA Rugby communities – against some of the best countries of the world.”

“We’re excited to explore the game, challenge ourselves – and most importantly – compete. Our aim is to of course, win matches but whatever the final score – understanding the wins & losses of each aspect of the game to identify key learnings moving forward”.

“A lot of recognizable stalwarts from the Eagles have retired post-Rugby World Cup, and a couple more are unavailable due to injury, but this gives new athletes a huge opportunity to put their hand up and show who they are and be a part of the new we.”

“We look forward to connecting, learning and sharing the journey with the USA Rugby community across the United States as we begin creating, developing and celebrating a uniquely Eagles style of Rugby.”

Kate Zackary has been ruled out from the squad due to an injury sustained during the PWR when Trailfinders Women played Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park in Round 14.

Trailfinders Women secure a huge win at home, grabbing a bonus-point win ahead of the break in the PWR. 

A colossal linebreak from Tanya Kalounivale on the 22 got the tighthead just inches from the Loughborough Lightning line, and from close range, much like last week’s game against Harlequins Women, Abi Burton powered over from close range. 

Two minutes later, Lightning’s Alev Kelter broke through for a try, and Helena Rowland knocked the conversion over to give the visitors an early lead.

A slick crossfield kick from Meg Jones to Grace White earned Trailfinders valuable field position and the opportunity for a try, but we were held up over the line. 

Beside the first two tries the opening fifteen minutes was a very stop-start affair, with multiple injury stoppages interrupting the flow of the match. But the match quickly came back to life as swift hands from the Trailfinders backs put Grace White over in the left corner. 

Another Jones crossfield kick on the left flank put the Loughborough cover defence under pressure in their 22, and a forward pass gifted Trailfinders a five metre scrum. From the base of the scrum with penalty advantage, Burton powered over for her second try of the game.

Lightning added a second try through Mae Sagapolu to narrow the scoreline towards the end of the first half, but Rowland couldn’t make the conversion to add the extra two points.

A phenomenal defensive effort perfectly encapsulated by a try-saving tackle from Burton repelled repeated attacks from the visitors, but eventually Lightning struck through Bo Westcombe-Evans on the stroke of half-time to give them the lead, with Rowland slotting the conversion.

Half-time: Trailfinders Women 19-15 Loughborough Lightning

A sublime Jones linebreak and offload gained Trailfinders valuable field position one minute into the second half, and a few phases later Jones scored the bonus-point try, chasing a chip through and grounding the ball to reclaim the lead. From out wide on a tough angle Gallagher was unable to make the conversion.

Out of nowhere Georgia Ponsonby broke the line from the base of the ruck, before drawing the fullback and giving the ball to Ella Amory, who utilised some slick footwork before grabbing our fifth try, and N. Gallagher nailed the conversion from just right of the posts.  

Loughborough attempted to mount an attack and nullify Trailfinders’ momentum, but Haidee Head got a turnover and took the wind out of their sails, gifting Trailfinders possession. Minutes later after sustained pressure in the Lightning redzone, Burton completed her hat-trick, yet again with a close range effort. With just under an hour played, Trailfinders led 32-19.

Trailfinders’ next try was scored by replacement second-row Emma Taylor, who converted her own try from just left of the posts.

Sadia Kabeya scored Lightning’s first points of the second half in the 73rd minute with a try under the posts, and Rowland scored the conversion.

Full-time: Trailfinders Women 39-26 Loughborough Lightning

Trailfinders Women: 

Tries – Abi Burton 5 25 53, Grace White 17, Meg Jones 42, Ella Amory 47, Emma Taylor 67

Conversions – Niamh Gallagher 47 Emma Taylor 68

Loughborough Lightning: 

Tries – Alev Kelter 7, Mae Sagapolu 33, Bo Westcombe-Evans 40, Sadia Kabeya 73

Conversions – Helena Rowland 8 40 74

Maya Montiel, Claire Gallagher and Cassandra Tuffnail have all been named in Canada’s squad for the upcoming Pacific Four Series

The four-team tournament featuring Canada, Australia, New Zealand and The USA will commence on Sunday 12th April with Canada’s first game being against Australia in Sacramento.

Our three Trailfinders feature amongst a strong squad littered with world-class talent. Canada will be looking to go one further this year and win the tournament after last year’s loss to The Black Ferns overall after a thrilling 27-27 clash between the two sides.

Trailfinders Women welcome Loughborough Lightning to Trailfinders Sports Club for the final game ahead of a league break. 

Round Sixteen will be the final match of this block in the PWR Season with the return of the Women’s Six Nations in April. Trailfinders welcome East Midlands side Lightning on Sunday afternoon.

Barney Maddison has named two changes to his matchday squad this weekend after a win against Harlequins in Round Fifteen of the competition.

An unchanged front-row from last weekend’s fixture against Harlequins sees Maya Montiel start at loosehead and Tanya Kalounivale at tighthead. Georgia Ponsonby remains at hooker.

In the engine room, Black Fern Maia Roos is joined by Scotland’s Emma Wassell.

Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm is at blindside flanker and is joined by Haidee Head who starts at openside flanker. Red Rose Abi Burton is at eight.

The back line remains unchanged after last weekend’s win.

Brooke Bradley starts at nine and Claire Gallagher start at fly-half.

Emma Uren starts at inside centre with Meg Jones on the outside.

Carys Cox and Grace White start on the wings with Niamh Gallagher at fullback.

Maddison names a 5-3 bench split with the inclusions of Cris Blanco, Sally Williams, and Ellie Boatman.

Kick-off is at 12:15pm on Sunday 29 March.

Watch live on TNT Sports.

Starting XV: 

15. Niamh Gallagher

14. Grace White

13. Meg Jones

12. Emma Uren

11. Carys Cox

10. Claire Gallagher

9. Brooke Bradley

1. Maya Montiel

2. Georgia Ponsonby

3. Tanya Kalounivale

4. Maia Roos

5. Emma Wassell

6. Rachel Malcolm (C)

7. Haidee Head

8. Abi Burton

Replacements: 

16. Cris Blanco

17. Alivia Leatherman

18. Cassandra Tuffnail

19. Emma Taylor

20. Sally Williams

21. Ella Amory

22. Vicky Laflin

23. Ellie Boatman

Barney Maddison spoke to Press ahead of Round 16 of The PWR

When asked about Trailfinders’ squad depth, Maddison said “We want training to be competitive, we feel as though this makes the players better. That competitiveness has driven our standards this season across training and games this season. We’ve got a very competitive squad but we want it to be competitive.”

Talking about having the Black Ferns in this season as part of the squad , Maddison said “They’re unbelievable. They’re very professional and love doing their extras – they’re the first one’s out on pitch and the last one’s off it. They’ve made such a good impact here.”

When asked about how entertaining this PWR season has been, Maddison said “I’ve been involved at Trailfinders since the start and you can see that the difference in the quality from then to now is completely different. We’ve had an influx of top quality internationals, mixed in with some top established home-grown talent. The more quality we have across the league the better it will be for everyone involved.”

When asked about the upcoming challenge of Loughborough Lightning, Maddison said “They’re probably one of the form teams at the minute and are playing really good rugby and are coached really well by Nathan (Smith) and Scaz (Emily Scarratt). Their attack has been outstanding, it’s going to be a tough game and a real battle but it’s a battle that we’re looking forward to.”

Trailfinders Women take on Loughborough Lightning at Trailfinders Sports Club this Sunday 29th March (12:15 Kick-Off).

 

 

Round 17 of the PWR season to unite clubs, fans and broadcasters in support of  life-saving breast cancer research and life-changing support 

Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) and Breast Cancer Now have announced the  launch of the first-ever BIG PINK WEEKEND, a landmark league-wide initiative taking place during Round 17 of the PWR season from 29-31 May. 

Trailfinders Women will host Gloucester-Hartpury on Friday 29 May during THE BIG PINK WEEKEND. You can purchase your tickets for our last home PWR fixture of the season here.

Inspired by the success of cricket’s “Red for Ruth”, THE BIG PINK WEEKEND will see  clubs, players, broadcasters and supporters across the country come together to raise  vital funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Now, the official charity partner of  Premiership Women’s Rugby and the UK’s leading breast cancer charity. 

Across the weekend, every PWR match will be dedicated to supporting the charity’s  bold vision that by 2050 everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will live and live well.  

Fans attending games will be encouraged to wear pink, donate, and take part in special  matchday activations to raise awareness about checking your breasts, the impact of  breast cancer and the importance of research and support services. 

THE BIG PINK WEEKEND will also feature prominently across PWR’s broadcast  coverage and social media channels, with players, clubs and fans sharing stories,  messages of support and fundraising efforts throughout the round. 

Stadiums across the league will turn pink as clubs host fundraising activities and  awareness-raising moments. Supporters will have opportunities to donate both in  stadiums and online, helping fund life-saving research and life-changing support  services. 

The initiative marks a major moment in the partnership between PWR and Breast  Cancer Now, harnessing the growing profile of women’s rugby to shine a powerful  spotlight on one of the UK’s most important health causes. 

Through THE BIG PINK WEEKEND, the PWR community hopes to raise significant funds  while encouraging open conversations, increasing awareness, and showing solidarity  with everyone affected by the disease. 

PWR Executive Chair Genevieve Shore said: 

“The Big Pink Weekend is a powerful moment for Premiership Women’s Rugby. It brings  together our clubs, players and supporters behind a cause that touches so many lives.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Breast Cancer Now and use the platform of our  league to raise awareness, drive vital fundraising and encourage important  conversations. 

“This is about the strength of our community coming together to make a real difference,  and we hope it shows the power of sport in making a positive impact on peoples lives  beyond the pitch.” 

Claire Rowney, chief executive at Breast Cancer Now commented:  

“We are incredibly grateful to PWR for partnering with us to launch the first-ever Big Pink  Weekend, a landmark moment that will see the entire league come together to raise  vital funds and awareness for breast cancer. 

“This weekend is a powerful demonstration of our partnership with PWR, and we want  to thank the league, all the clubs involved, the players and the fans who are uniting  behind our bold vision – that by 2050 everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will live  and live well. 

“The Big Pink Weekend will show the incredible power of the rugby community, raising  vital funds for life-saving research and life-changing support.” 

THE BIG PINK WEEKEND aims to be a moment in the PWR calendar, demonstrating the  power of sport to bring communities together and drive meaningful change. 

Supporters can follow the campaign across Premiership Women’s Rugby and Breast  Cancer Now’s digital channels and donate via the PWR JustGiving page.  

Together, the rugby community will turn the league pink for one unforgettable weekend and help take another step towards a future where everyone diagnosed with breast  cancer lives well. 

About Breast Cancer Now 

We’re the UK’s leading breast cancer charity. And we’re combining the power of science  and support to change breast cancer. Now. 

We’re funding world-class science now, so no one dies of breast cancer in the future.  We’re here with life-changing support now, so no one faces breast cancer alone. And  we’re campaigning now – for better awareness, quicker, earlier diagnosis and access to treatments – so everyone with breast can live and live well.  

We’ve been making change happen for over 50 years, and we’re not stopping now.  Because we have a bold vision. That by 2050, everyone with breast cancer will live and  live well. We can’t do it on our own. But together, we can make change happen. Now.  

If you’re worried about breast cancer, or have a question about breast health, we’re  here. Speak to our expert nurses now by calling our free, confidential helpline on 0808  800 6000 or visit https://forum.breastcancernow.org/

Trailfinders Women centre Carys Cox has been selected to represent Wales in the upcoming Women’s Six Nations.

Cox is called up to represent her country once more after featuring in the Wales’s 2025 Rugby World Cup squad.

Wales kick-off their 2026 Women’s Six Nations campaign at the Principality Stadium on Saturday 11 April against Scotland.

HARLEQUINS WOMEN VS TRAILFINDERS WOMEN

 

A late Abi Burton try secures victory for Trailfinders over West London rivals Harlequins.

 

Tries from Tanya Kalounivale, Brooke Bradley and Abi Burton, as well as three conversions from Niamh Gallagher secured Trailfinders a hard fought victory away from home, the perfect way to celebrate Ella Amory’s 50th appearance for the club.

 

Tonight’s victory elevates Trailfinders from sixth to fourth in the PWR table, leapfrogging Harlequins who occupied fourth place prior to this match.

 

Harlequins kicked off to Trailfinders at Twickenham Stoop and despite losing Black Ferns Alana Borland and Georgia Ponsonby to injury in the opening five minutes, Trailfinders struck first. After gaining field position with a rolling maul after kicking to the corner, Tanya Kalounivale powered through under the posts for the opening score after repeated phases on Harlequins’ line. Fresh from being named in the Ireland Six Nations squad, Niamh Gallagher slotted the conversion from out in front.

 

The first half was very much ruled by defence, with both sides putting in some enormous tackles, and with ball in hand newly named Red Roses Captain Meg Jones and Carys Cox were incredibly threatening. 

 

Four minutes from half-time Harlequins grabbed their first score, with Connie Powell scoring from a rolling maul, but Claudia Peña couldn’t add the extras. When referee Craig Maxwell-Keys blew his whistle for half-time, Trailfinders went back into the changing rooms with a hard fought, but slender two point lead.

 

Half-time Harlequins Women 5-7 Trailfinders Women

 

Harlequins struck first after the break through Nicole Wythe, and Peña kicked the resulting conversion to take the lead.

 

Trailfinders stormed into Harlequins’ 22, and after repeated infringements from the home side, Brooke Bradley sniped through to level the scores. From the right touchline Niamh Gallagher nailed the conversion to regain the lead for Trailfinders.

 

Harlequins found space on the right flank and Beth Wilcock ran in a try, although Ella Cromack missed the conversion from out on the right, giving Harlequins a 17-12 lead in the final 10 minutes.

 

Trailfinders refused to back down and with just minutes to go Abi Burton burrowed over for a try from the back of a ruck, and Niamh Gallagher sealed her 100% success rate from the tee as the conversion bounced in from the left upright.

 

With the clock in the red Trailfinders booted the ball into the stands, taking home the bragging rights for this West London rivalry.

 

Full-time Harlequins Women 17-21 Trailfinders Women

 

Harlequins Women: 17

 

Tries – Connie Powell 36, Nicole Wythe 46, Beth Wilcock 73

 

Conversions – Claudia Pena 47

 

Yellow Cards – Nicole Wythe 57

 

Trailfinders Women: 21

 

Tries – Tanya Kalounivale 8, Brooke Bradley 57, Abi Burton 77

 

Conversions – Niamh Gallagher 9 57 78

 

Meg Jones, Abi Burton, and Annabel Meta have been named in England’s squad ahead of the 2026 Women’s Six Nations.

Jones will captain her country heading into this tournament after taking on the vice-captaincy role during the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Upon being named as England captain, Jones said: 

‘It’s a huge honour to have been named captain of the Red Roses. John Mitchell and I have built a strong relationship over the past three years and it’s a great feeling to have his trust to lead the group along with a tight leadership team.’ 

Back rower Abi Burton is named in the squad after also representing the Red Roses during the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

Uncapped Annabel Meta has also been named in the squad. The versatile forward who has experience playing in the back row and the front row is called up to the senior squad for her first Women’s Six Nations after being capped at age-grade levels.

Meta has also come through the Trailfinders pathway: from partner college Henley, to Brunel University, Trailfinders Women, and now the Red Roses. Her journey is an example of the great foundations offered in the Trailfinders pathway.

England kick-off their campaign against Ireland on 11 April at the Allianz Twickenham.

Trailfinders Women travel to Twickenham Stoop to face Harlequins under the Friday Night Lights. 

Barney Maddison has named his side to face Harlequins this Friday.

An unchanged front-row from last weekend’s fixture against Exeter Chiefs sees Maya Montiel start at loosehead and Tanya Kalounivale at tighthead. Georgia Ponsonby remains at hooker.

In the engine room, Maia Roos is joined by Scotland’s Emma Wassell.

Alana Borland moves into the back-row at blindside flanker with Rachel Malcolm at openside flanker. Red Rose Abi Burton is at eight.

An unchanged half-back pairing sees Brooke Bradley at nine and Claire Gallagher start at 10.

Grace White remains on the wing with Carys Cox moving out to the left wing after playing in the centres last weekend.

Emma Uren starts at inside centre with Meg Jones on the outside.

Niamh Gallagher starts at fullback, fresh off her call up to the Ireland senior squad for the upcoming Six Nations.

Maddison names a 5-3 bench split with the inclusions of Cris Blanco, Haidee Head, and Ellie Boatman.

Kick-off is at 7:30pm on Friday 20 March.

Watch live on BBC iPlayer.

Starting XV: 

15. Niamh Gallagher

14. Grace White

13. Meg Jones

12. Emma Uren

11. Carys Cox

10. Claire Gallagher

9. Brooke Bradley

1. Maya Montiel

2. Georgia Ponsonby

3. Tanya Kalounivale

4. Maia Roos

5. Emma Wassell

6. Alana Borland

7. Rachel Malcolm (C)

8. Abi Burton

Replacements: 

16. Cris Blanco

17. Alivia Leatherman

18. Cassandra Tuffnail

19. Shy Pinnock

20. Haidee Head

21. Ella Amory

22. Vicky Laflin

23. Ellie Boatman

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