Women's News - Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club

PWR Press Conference: Barney Maddison and Kate Zackary

Ahead of Round Five of the PWR where Trailfinders host Saracens, Head Coach Barney Maddison and Club Captain Kate Zackary spoke to the media in a press conference.

After Red Rose and former Trailfinder Abby Dow announced her retirement on Wednesday 26 November, the media asked about her impact at the Club.

In response, Kate Zackary said:

“I really enjoyed having the opportunity to play alongside Abby when I moved to Ealing. Prior to that, I had played against her as with rugby, everyone runs in similar circles.

“I enjoyed getting to know her and how funny she was. She brought a lot of positivity and energy to the team.

“She was a great finisher but also put extra hours working on her kicking game, which was a part of her game that became a huge threat.

“She knew how to put a smile on your face whether you were having a good or bad day.”

When asked about this weekend’s fixture against Saracens, Barney Maddison said:

“It should be a great game. We’ve never beaten Saracens before. So we’re really looking forward to it. We’ve had a couple of good results. It’ll be a really tough game.

“They’ve got a quality team and squad so that’ll be a tough battle on Saturday.”

Zackary added:

“It’ll be a really good matchup for the back row. I’m biased here but I think we’ve got a really great back row. I think it’ll be a really big fight. The set piece is going to be huge and the kicking game as well. It’s part game that Saracens don’t shy away from, but it’s part of the game that we don’t shy away from either.

“We’ve got people like Julia Schell and Meg Jones who have got a boot on them, and Claire Gallagher. There will be a lot of dynamic play from both teams, which I think will be quite exciting.”

Women's News

Match Round-up: Trailfinders Women vs Bristol Bears

Trailfinders secure their first home win of the season with seven tries against Bristol Bears

A physical start from Trailfinders saw them dominant in the opening scrum. Bristol kept their defence tight but conceded an early penalty. Discipline let Bristol down and the referee showed Simi Tam a yellow card after five minutes of the game.

Trailfinders continued to recycle the ball five metres out from the try line. Bristol’s defence remained strong despite conceding penalties.

Trailfinders continued to drive forward towards the try line with great success. It was Scotland Captain Rachel Malcolm to get the ball down and score the first try of the game. Meg Jones narrowly missed the conversion on the angle.

Trailfinders continued to press through Bristol’s tight defence. Georgia Ponsonby secured the second score after Trailfinders mauled towards the line. Jones converted the extras.

The visitors were not to be silenced though. They quickly responded with a try of their own scored by Simi Pam after she’d returned to the field from her sin bin period. Keira Bevan slotted the conversion.

The fierce contest continued in the centre of the field as each side fought for metres. Bristol used the power of their forwards to maul forward and secure territory in the Trailfinders 22.

Bristol made further ground with a final powerful carry by Sarah Bern saw the visitors secure their second try. Bevan successfully converted.

Trailfinders bounced back and secured another penalty. Jones kicked to the corner. Bristol turned the ball over but knocked the ball on two metres out from their try line. Trailfinders won the scrum and took the ball out to the short side. Bristol forced Claire Gallagher into touch.

Trailfinders found turnover ball and pressed forward in attack. With the ball being recycled towards the right wing, Jones picked her line and found some space. An offload to Julia Schell onto Grace White saw Trailfinders secure their third try.

The physical contest continued in the centre of the field. Trailfinders were held up on the try line just before half-time. A goal line drop out was gathered by C. Gallagher.

Trailfinders forwards carried ball down field and it was Borland who broke through and scored the bonus-point try. Jones slotted the conversion giving Trailfinders the lead at half-time.

Half-time: Trailfinders Women 24-14 Bristol Bears

The second half continued as it had left off: fierce and physical. Schell put boot to ball and Grace White chased along the wing. She gathered but was pushed into touch.

Bristol found some ground going through the phases and were rewarded with a scrum. Trailfinders eventually found turnover ball with White making another break down the wing. She offloaded to Francesca McGhie who was tackled into touch by Bristol’s centre Emma Orr.

Bristol were awarded another scrum and the ball was recycled out to the backs with a kick for the 50-22. But the ball went into touch too early and Trailfinders were given a line out in Bristol’s half.

Dominant phases of attack saw Trailfinders secure a five metre line out after Jones kicked to the corner. After conceding several penalties, the referee went to his pocket and sent Bristol’s Delaney Burns to the sin bin.

Trailfinders had another line out thrown by Ponsonby. They drove the maul forward and Ponsonby secured the fifth try. Jones converted

Bristol were undeterred from fighting back. They forced their way down field and Evie Gallagher came fruitful and secured Bristol’s third try. Bevan failed to convert.

The visitors continued to show their strength at the breakdown which helped them to secure turnover ball in their own half even with fourteen players on the field.

With less than twenty minutes to go and a full compliment back on the field for Bristol, both sides went down for a scrum. But fresh legs on the field for Trailfinders saw them dominate the set piece and secure the penalty. Jones kicked the ball towards the corner for a ten metre line out.

A dominant driving maul saw Trailfinders drive forward. The ball was recycled out to Jones who opted for the cross field kick. White gathered and ran in to score a stunning try. Jones successfully converted.

Trailfinders continued their try-scoring run with Emma Taylor getting off the scoreboard from short range. Jones converted.

Both sides continued to fight hard in the final ten minutes of the match with big hits made by both sides, although no more points were scored by either side.

Full-time: Trailfinders Women 45-19 Bristol Bears

Player of the Match: Grace White

Trailfinders Women –

Tries: Rachel Malcolm 8, Georgia Ponsonby 11 52, Grace White 33 64, Alana Borland 40, Emma Taylor 68

Conversions: Meg Jones 11 40 53 65 68

Bristol Bears –

Tries: Simi Pam 18, Sarah Bern 27, Evie Gallagher 58

Conversions: Keira Bevan 18 27

Yellow card: Simi Pam 5, Delaney Burns 51

Match programme: Trailfinders Women v Bristol Bears

Everything you need to know ahead of Trailfinders Women vs Bristol Bears

The PWR returns to Trailfinders Sports Club with Round 4. Trailfinders Women face Bristol Bears for the first time this season, after a tight battle in January last season.

Read everything you need to know ahead of the match here.

Team Lineup, Women's News

Lineup: Trailfinders Women v Bristol Bears

Barney Maddison names an unchanged squad ahead of Bristol Bears clash.

Head Coach Barney Maddison has named his squad ahead of Round Four of the PWR. There are no changes in the squad after last weekend’s win over Sale Sharks.

Kate Zackary leads the side after last weekend’s ten try win. She is part of a forward pack including eight internationals.

In the front row, Alivia Leatherman, Georgia Ponsonby, and Maya Montiel all start.

In the engine room, Irish international Grace Moore is accompanied by Black Fern Alana Borland.

At blindside flanker is Scotland’s most-capped captain Rachel Malcolm with Zackary on the openside. Abi Burton is at eight.

Ella Amory and Claire Gallagher remain as the starting halfback pairing.

Carys Cox starts at inside centre with Meg Jones at outside centre.

Francesca McGhie and Grace White start on the wings with Julia Schell at fullback.

Haidee Head, Brooke Bradley, and Niamh Gallagher all feature on the bench in a 5-3 split.

Kick-off is at 15:00 on Saturday 15 November at Trailfinders Sports Club.

Watch live on BBC iPlayer.

Starting XV

15. Julia Schell

14. Grace White

13. Meg Jones

12. Carys Cox

11. Francesca McGhie

10. Claire Gallagher

9. Ella Amory

1. Alivia Leatherman

2. Georgia Ponsonby

3. Maya Montiel

4. Grace Moore

5. Alana Borland

6. Rachel Malcolm

7. Kate Zackary (C)

8. Abi Burton

Replacements:

16. Niamh Swailes

17. Cana Williams

18. Miça Evans

19. Emma Taylor

20. Haidee Head

21. Brooke Bradley

22. Niamh Gallagher

23. Rosie Inman

Women's News

PWR Press Conference: Barney Maddison and Georgia Ponsonby

Read the update ahead of Trailfinders Women vs Bristol Bears in Round Four of the PWR.

Ahead of Round Four of the PWR, Head Coach Barney Maddison and Black Fern Georgia Ponsonby answered questions from the media after a win on the road in Round Three.

When asked about this weekend’s opponents, Maddison said:

“It’ll be a tough game. It’s the first time we’ve had back to back games with the structure of the season, with the Prem Cup and the World Cup. And then our bye week as well, we haven’t actually had chance to play back to back games. So this will be the first time since February. It’ll be interesting.

“We’re coming off the back of a good win against Sale, but again, completely different kettle of fish in Bristol Bars. So it’ll be a very tough game.”

When asked about her move to Trailfinders from New Zealand, Ponsonby said:

“I feel like the main reason is because the girls have gone into their off season now, so they don’t have a test match until the Pacific Four Series in April 2026. Obviously, the Black Ferns will have training camps leading up to that but aside from that, there’s no rugby until then for the Kiwis.

“I guess that was a big reason why I came over as well as just wanting to try something a bit different.

“I’ve been in New Zealand for a long time and did the same routine and things. I was just excited to immerse myself in a different rugby culture and rub shoulders with amazing athletes over here and learn a few new things and just get some more game time because we don’t really play a heck of a lot of rugby back home.

“We have our Super Rugby competition, but it’s only six or seven weeks compared to what the seventeen round competition that we’ve got here, not including semis and finals.

“I definitely like playing more rugby.”

When asked about who she’s looking forward to playing against in the Bristol Bears side, Ponsonby said:

“Sarah Bern in the front row, obviously Hannah Botterman is injured at the moment, but they’ve got a really powerful forward pack. I think scrum time will be a real battle.

“Abbie Ward at line out time will be exciting to go up against. And then we’re up against some of the best jacklers with like Evie Gallagher. I think that’s one of the biggest reasons why I’m so excited to be here because we’re playing against the best players in the world.

“Our game against Bristol is going to be epic. It’s going to be another tough battle. But you look at this competition and I just feel like you don’t know where it’s going to go.

“The results with each team so far have swayed back and forth, potentially to the teams that you didn’t think were going to go. Every single weekend you have to show up and play your very best rugby because every single team is really quality.”

After one win and one loss in the league this season, Barney Maddison was asked what he’d like his team to tick off the wish list. He said:

“It’s just a performance. I’ll back these girls to the hills in that sense and we’ve got some fantastic players and as long as we go out there, put a performance together, I’ve got no doubt we’ll be in a good place at the end of the 80 minutes.

“But it’s about our performance, and focussing on us. Bristol will be a very tough game. They’ve got a hell of a team, so again, we’ll have to be at our best at the weekend.”

Women's News

Match Round-up: Sale Sharks vs Trailfinders Women

Ten tries for Trailfinders secures them their first bonus-point win of the 2025/26 season

The opening contest in the centre of the field was quickly awarded with a Trailfinders penalty. It was taken quickly by Meg Jones who darted through the space to give Trailfinders ten metres.

A successful driving maul from the line out led to Trailfinders’ first try scored by Black Fern Georgia Ponsonby.

Sale Sharks responded quickly with attacking phases and were rewarded consecutive penalties. Sale opted for the set piece and drove their maul forward but Trailfinders kept their defence tight. But the home side stripped the ball out wide to Scotland winger Rhona Lloyd who scored for the Sale’s first try.

The aerial battle commenced soon after where both teams sought for territory from the boot. A Sale line out was disrupted by Black Fern Alana Borland. Sale knocked the ball into touch for a Trailfinders line out.

The powerful carry from Abi Burton allowed her to break into open play. The number eight ran just shy of half of the pitch for a second try for Trailfinders. Meg Jones successfully converted.

A dominant scrum from Trailfinders allowed Ella Amory to get the ball out to the back line. Scottish international Francesca McGhie got her hands on the ball, darting through the Sale defence. McGhie eventually got over the line for her first try as a Trailfinder after fighting through the collisions with Sale. Jones converted.

On the front foot, Trailfinders continued to carry hard, making their way towards Sale’s try line. Then magic Meg broke through the Sale defence for the bonus-point score. She converted her own score to stretch the lead after the opening twenty minutes.

The Sharks fought hard, securing penalties. Holly Aitchison continued to kick for territory. Lloyd found open field but was taken down by Trailfinders.

Awarded another penalty, Aitchison kicked to the corner. Amy Cockayne threw the line out, driving the maul forward and got Sale’s second score. Aitchison converted.

Trailfinders quickly struck back with a fantastic break down the right wing by Grace White. With open field, White finds Trailfinders’ fifth score.

Another break down the wing opened up the space for Canadian international Julia Schell to pick her line and score the sixth try.

Half-time: Sale Sharks 12-36 Trailfinders Women

Trailfinders continued with fast attacking play. Although a Trailfinders line out was initially disrupted by the home side, a knock on gave Trailfinders possession. They drove through the phases and were awarded a penalty.

A clean line out for Trailfinders wrapped in the Sale defence. Carys Cox found space and cut inside and scored behind the posts. Jones successfully converted.

With ball in hand, Sale went through the phases, Katie Childs created space and ran down field. She was tackled by Trailfinders wingers.

From the scrum, Sharks ran the ball down field until they went to the boot for territory. White chased and gathered, keeping Sale out of the try area.

Opting for the boot, Sharks kicked the ball into touch and Trailfinders had another line out eighteen metres away from their try area.

The home side continued to push forward but the Trailfinders defence remained strong. They were rewarded a penalty by the referee.

Sale continued to go through the attacking phases and were successful in securing another penalty. Aitchison kicked the ball down field but a Sharks line out.

Playing with advantage, Aitchison kicked to the corner once more. Five metres out from scoring, Sale lost the ball backwards from the line out but continued to push forward. Going nowhere with the short distribution, Sale sent the ball out wide once more to Lloyd who went over for her second try of the match.

After being shown a yellow card, Kate Zackary left the field with Trailfinders down to fourteen. Rachel Malcolm instructed in the pack for a dominant scrum.

Trailfinders went through the phases and faced physical collisions from the Sale defensive line. Yet, they kept level-headed and got the ball out wide to Carys Cox who scored in the corner. Jones successfully converted the kick on the angle.

With fresh legs on the field. Trailfinders continued to test the home side’s defence. Trailfinders penetrated through for another score. Rosie Inman got over the line and the try was successfully converted by Niamh Gallagher.

In a footballing kick chase, Rosie Inman booted the ball forward then the ball came off the boot of Claire Gallagher. Schell chased and scored for Trailfinders’ tenth try. Niamh Gallagher slotted the conversion.

Sale Sharks were not to be silenced though as Rhona Lloyd scored a bonus-point try for the home side and secured a personal hat-trick.

Julia Schell was awarded player of the match.

Full-time: Sale Sharks 22-64 Trailfinders Women

Sale Sharks –

Tries: Rhona Lloyd 8 62 78, Amy Cockayne 29

Conversions: Holly Aitchison 30

Trailfinders Women –

Tries: Georgia Ponsonby 3, Abi Burton 13, Francesca McGhie 17, Meg Jones 21, Grace White 33, Julia Schell 40 76, Carys Cox 43 66, Rosie Inman 73

Conversions: Megan Jones 13 18 22 44 66, Niamh Gallagher 74

Yellow Card: Kate Zackary 63

Feature, Women's News

Francesca McGhie previews Sale Sharks clash

Scottish international Francesca McGhie overs her thoughts ahead of Round Three in the PWR and discusses life outside of rugby.

After an epic World Cup debut for Scotland, Francesca McGhie joined Trailfinders Women ahead of the 2025/26 season.

McGhie made her Club debut in Round One of the PWR against Exeter Chiefs. She discussed how she’s settled into life at Trailfinders Sports Club and some of the main reflections from Round One.

“It was definitely quite overwhelming coming back in. I think all of the new signings on the first few days were like, oh my goodness,” she said. “Everything was new, everyone was new.

“But I’ve settled in really easy. All the girls are so friendly and I think over the seasons playing, you always know a familiar face and things, which is lovely.

“It’s nice to get back into the rhythm of rugby, being back in the flow of doing your job again after a couple weeks off.”

McGhie started on the wing against Exeter Chiefs. Whilst the result was not the one Trailfinders were hoping for, having a bye week in Round Two of the PWR has helped the squad regroup ahead of their first season away game.

McGhie offered some reflections from the Round One performance.

“I think for so many of the team to be new signings, I think some of the cohesion that we had was very exciting for the season coming ahead. It takes time to bond, to know what your inside or outside is going to do.

“I think the training in the last few weeks has gone really well, so we’re looking forward to putting it to the test this weekend.”

The PWR is littered with international stars. Trailfinders face Sale Sharks in Round Three of the competition who—like Trailfinders—have signed several international players including Red Roses Amy Cockayne and Holly Aitchison. Scottish internationals Evie Willis and Rhona Lloyd also play for Sale.

McGhie offered her thoughts about playing against some of her Scottish teammates and friends.

“I think with most of my friends at Sale, we don’t talk about rugby anyway. Although we’re friends through rugby, I think our friendship is outside of it, which is really nice.

“I did get asked about what the back line was like and having to talk about some of your best friends, it’s so weird and you’re like, I can’t say that they just have nice hair and stuff like that.

“I think those sorts of questions will go both ways this weekend. They know a lot about some of our players and we know a lot about some of their players. It will be an interesting matchup.

“Sale have a lot of new signings this season, which is similar to us. They have Holly Aitchison – she’s a fantastic ten. I think she drives a lot of the game. She is a fantastic kicker. We’ll need to cover our bases with those threats.

“Sale have a great forward pack too. I think they’ll bring a mixture of pace and physicality.”

Prior to her rugby career, Francesca was a trained ballerina. She still enjoys watching dance and there’s no better place than London to be involved in arts and culture.

“I absolutely love watching dance. It was a Christmas tradition of mine and my mum’s to go and watch the ballet. We haven’t done it in recent years due to be being based in Leicester previously.

“But I think we’ll get some ballet shows under our belt this Christmas.”

McGhie grew up in the east of Scotland and spent much of her time in Edinburgh.

“London is very different to Edinburgh. It’s a lot faster here. Like with the train. You could miss one and then another one will arrive five minutes later.

“I think Edinburgh is a beautiful city and I forget that not every city looks like it. Going home is always a nice change. But I am enjoying living in London – it’s a city well-suited to me.”

Team Lineup, Women's News

Lineup: Sale Sharks vs Trailfinders Women

Barney Maddison makes three changes to the matchday squad ahead of Round Three in the PWR.

Head Coach Barney Maddison has named his squad ahead of Round Three of the PWR.

Kate Zackary leads the side after being named as Club Captain earlier on in the week. She is part of a forward pack including eight internationals, with only one change at tighthead. Maya Montiel comes into the starting XV for Sara Seye. USA prop Alivia Leathermen starts at loosehead with Black Fern Georgia Ponsonby starting at hooker.

In the engine room, Irish international Grace Moore is accompanied by Black Fern Alana Borland.

At blindside flanker is Scotland’s most-capped captain Rachel Malcolm with Zackary on the openside. Abi Burton retains her place at eight.

In the backs, both Ella Amory and Claire Gallagher get their first starts in the PWR this season at scrum-half and fly-half respectively.

The rest of the backline remains unchanged from Round One of the PWR.

Carys Cox starts at inside centre with Women’s World 15s Player of the Year Nominee Meg Jones at outside centre.

Francesca McGhie and Grace White start on the wings, adding electric pace to the backs. Canadian international Julia Schell retains her place at fullback.

Emma Taylor, Brooke Bradley, and Rosie Inman all feature on the bench in a 5-3 split.

Kick-off is at 15:00 on Saturday 8 November at Heywood Road.

Watch live on BBC iPlayer.

Starting XV

15. Julia Schell

14. Grace White

13. Meg Jones

12. Carys Cox

11. Francesca McGhie

10. Claire Gallagher

9. Ella Amory

1. Alivia Leatherman

2. Georgia Ponsonby

3. Maya Montiel

4. Grace Moore

5. Alana Borland

6. Rachel Malcolm

7. Kate Zackary (C)

8. Abi Burton

Replacements:

16. Niamh Swailes

17. Cana Williams

18. Miça Evans

19. Emma Taylor

20. Haidee Head

21. Brooke Bradley

22. Rosie Inman

23. Niamh Gallagher

Women's News

PWR Press Conference: Barney Maddison and Meg Jones

Read the update ahead of Trailfinders Women’s first 2025/26 away fixture against Sale Sharks

Ahead of Round Three of the PWR, Head Coach Barney Maddison and Red Roses centre Meg Jones answered questions from the media after a bye week in Round Two.

When asked about how the team energy levels are managed during a bye week, Maddison said:

“The bye week probably came at a good time for us. We’ve had a fair few new faces coming into Trailfinders. The bye week has allowed us to have a couple more sessions together and get to know each other.

“We went bowling last week as part of a team social and had some really good training sessions together.

“A big thing for me at the Club is having good connections off the pitch.”

Against Exeter Chiefs, tighthead prop Sara Seye had to leave the field due to injury. When asked about an injury update for Seye, Maddison said:

“She’s still waiting for a couple of scans before we know the full picture. The injury was to her neck and shoulder. We will be able to give a better update next week onwards.

“Sara is back around the Club and she’s in good spirits.”

When asked about this weekend’s opposition, Maddison said:

“I think Sale is going to be a difficult game. They have recruited lots of new players. We’ve watched their last couple of games and we are a different team to them, so it will be a difficult game.”

Meg Jones added:

“There have been personnel changes at Sale and they’ve brought in a lot of really good players. It’ll be a tough game.

“I think Rhona Lloyd on the wing is an exciting prospect to play against, and Evie Wills in the back line as I know her from my time at Leicester. Amy Cockayne was another big signing for Sale that I played with at Tigers. Looking forward to playing them.”

When asked about how it feels to transition back into club rugby after a Rugby World Cup win, Jones said:

“It’s been good to get back to reality. I’ve gone from not doing any chores for a long time. It’s actually been nice to wash the dishes and things. But I still don’t have to wash my training kit as that gets done for us at the Club which is ideal.

“I think some of the England girls are still riding the high. We said we should have a group call at some point to catch up but we’ll see if that happens.”

On the other new signings in the group this season, Jones said:

“Alana Borland governs the line out area well. She’s been great.

“Francesca McGhie, who I know from my time at Leicester, is one to watch. I don’t think we’ve unleashed her fully yet.

“Claire Gallagher, another player I’ve worked with from previous clubs, she’s been great.

“We have great ambition as a side and we want to do as well as we can in the league.”

News, Women's News

Premiership Women’s Rugby announce partnership with Restart Rugby

Premiership Women’s Rugby have announced a partnership with Restart Rugby, who become the league’s official Players’ Charity

As the official charity of the Rugby Players Association (RPA), Restart supports current and former men’s and women’s players facing serious injury, illness, or hardship. With rugby careers often unpredictable, Restart provides a vital support network that helps players manage challenges during their careers and prepare for life after the game.

The charity offers practical and financial assistance, including funding medical treatment, rehabilitation equipment, and home adaptations, as well as grants for training, education, and general hardship support. Mental health support is also available through Restart’s 24/7 Confidential Counselling Service and ongoing therapy.

Last season, 42 players accessed Restart’s counselling service, 57% of which supported women. 221 therapy sessions were also administered to members. Common issues included low mood, anxiety, bereavement, and addiction.

Through this new partnership, Round 5 of Premiership Women’s Rugby (29–30 November) will be dedicated to Restart, helping to raise awareness and vital funds for the charity.

Meg Jones, Red Roses and Trailfinders Women player said: “Restart has been a huge help to me personally. Having lost both my mum and dad last year I was given access to grief therapy regularly, helping me navigate through such a dark time. To see them become a partner with the PWR only solidifies their support for players on and off the pitch.”

Jeremy Beard, Chair of Restart said: “Whilst Restart has supported women players over the years, it is a pivotal moment to be partnering with the PWR as the league’s official Players Charity. The rapid growth of the women’s game, and the continuing transition to professionalism, will inevitably bring challenges for the players and Restart will be here to provide help when needed, whilst developing players post-career.”

Genevieve Shore, executive chair at Premiership Women’s Rugby said: “Women’s rugby has grown exponentially over the past year and will continue to do so in the coming years. With that growth will come new challenges for our players, so it is incredibly exciting to have Restart at our side as we attempt to navigate this new era. Player welfare is at the heart of every decision we make as a league, a vision and mission which we know is shared by Restart, so I’m looking forward to working together for the benefit of all PWR athletes.”