Women's News - Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club

Welcome Ellie Green

Trailfinders Women are thrilled to announce the signing of Ellie Green.

The fly-half, who has represented England at U20 level multiple times, signs from Worcester Warriors Women. Before starting this season at Worcester, she made 76 appearances for Harlequins Women, scoring 506 points, since her debut in 2017.

Green, whose father is a rugby coach, first played rugby at Sutton and Epsom RFC before her blossoming professional career.

The 22-year-old was called into the Red Roses squad for the 2021 TikTok Women’s Six Nations, having consistently been Harlequins’ top points scorer.

After signing for Trailfinders, Green said: ‘I’m heartbroken my time at Warriors had to be cut short as I was settling in really well and enjoying my time there. However, thanks to Giselle and Trailfinders I have the opportunity to continue my premiership rugby career and I’m so excited to get started.’

Director of Rugby Giselle Mather said: ‘Ellie is a young and talented fly-half who is going to make a huge impact at Trailfinders. She has a great skill set and possesses a wonderful right foot!

“She has an attacking mindset as a fly-half which will compliment the style of rugby we are looking to play and we are delighted to be a part of Ellie’s next chapter in her Premiership Rugby journey.”

Women's News

Welcome Cara Brincat!

Trailfinders Women are thrilled to announce the signing of Cara Brincat.

Brincat signs from Worcester Warriors Women where the back-row played for seven seasons.

Her first taste of rugby was at Hungerford Rugby Club and Brincat would go on to represent England at U18 and U20 level, as well as representing her country in 7s at U18 level.

Alongside her rugby, the 25-year-old works as an Investment Advisor at Sport England.

After signing for Trailfinders, Brincat said: “I am really excited for what’s to come this season with Trailfinders. For me personally it’s a new environment, a fresh start and a new challenge.

“The support from the girls has been amazing coming into the club during the middle of the cup block and I am itching to get on the field with them all.”

Director of Rugby Giselle Mather said: “Cara is a fantastic addition to our squad. Her impact on the field is relentless as is her attention to detail.

“Her contribution in such a short space of time has been recognised by everyone and we are very much looking forward to her taking to the field on Saturday.”

Women's News

Trailfinders Women Announce the Takeoff!

Come and watch Trailfinders Women at The Takeoff!

Tickets here.

Come and watch Trailfinders Women at The Takeoff!

Our first home game in the Allianz PWR, against Harlequins Women, will be the first edition of the new marquee fixture.

The Allianz PWR’s newest side are targeting an attendance of over 2,000, and we want you to be one of them.

Prizes will be given to every 200th fan that arrives at the ground, and, as well as this, the winner of the signed Abby Dow shirt will be announced at half-time!

There will be half-time and full-time entertainment, as well as a bouncy castle for the kids.

It is sure to be a landmark occasion, so make sure you get your tickets now!

Tickets here.

Women's News

Welcome Sofia Rolfi

Trailfinders Women announce the signing of Sofia Rolfi

Trailfinders Women are thrilled to announce the signing of Sofia Rolfi for the 2023/24 Allianz PWR and Allianz Cup season.

Rolfi joins from Italian side Rugby Colorno, where she has played for the last three seasons, earning her first cap for the Azzurri this month at only 22.

The Italian’s first taste of rugby was at Rugby Calvisano, after which she moved to England.

She would go on to play for Wasps for the 2019/20 season. However, this stint was cut in half as the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to return to Italy.

Rolfi was selected for the Italian squad to go to the World Cup in 2021, and although she didn’t make an appearance, she gained a considerable amount from the experience.

After signing for Trailfinders, Rolfi said: “I’m so excited to have the opportunity to be a part of this big new adventure with Trailfinders Women.

“I’m looking forward to learning as much as possible from my coaches and teammates, I’m here to improve as a player and as a person. I can’t wait to see how the season will go!”

Director of Women’s Rugby, Giselle Mather, said: “ Sofia is a very exciting young player with a huge thirst to develop.

“A very balanced runner with ball in hand and a strong defensive attitude we know she will be a genuine threat to opposition defences and we are really looking forward to seeing her make her mark on the PWR.”

Women's News

Trailfinders Women Announce Partnership with Arnold Hill

Trailfinders Women are excited to announce their partnership with Arnold Hill Chartered Accountants for the upcoming Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby season.

As part of the partnership Arnold Hill will sponsor the back of the Home and Away shirts for this season.

Justin Moore, Partner at Arnold Hill said, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to support this new and incredibly exciting squad of great athletes as they come together for their first season at Trailfinders.

“The calibre of players that have been put together, both established internationals and women breaking in to the professional rugby scene makes for a wonderful season of rugby ahead of us. We can’t wait for it to get started!”

Arnold Hill will also have pitch-side advertising boards for all games this season, as Trailfinders Women embark on their first campaign in Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby.

Director of Women’s Rugby Giselle Mather said, “We are delighted to team up with Arnold Hill this season.

“This partnership will help support our team and our individual athletes and we are very excited to begin our competitive journey with them by our side.”

Women's News

Trailfinders Women Announce Partnership with Contested

Contested, the recently-launched social app built for sports fans, is thrilled to announce its partnership with Trailfinders Women, who are joining the Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby this season.

The partnership demonstrates a shared commitment for innovation in sport, with ambitions to elevate the women’s game and shift fans’ attention to athletes and moments that deserve it.

As part pf the partnership between the two, the contested logo will be on the back of both the Home and Away shorts.

“We are excited to join forces with Contested,” said Giselle Mather, Director of Women’s Rugby at Trailfinders.

“This partnership empowers us to strengthen our bond with fans, showcase the spirit of our team, and inspire the next generation of players and fans in our sport. We have huge aspirations here, aiming for a huge crowd/with a target crowd of 2,000 for our first home game of the PWR season.”

Contested is transforming how fans engage with their favourite sports. The platform offers a new social experience, whether that’s debating predictions ahead of the game, diving into team news, or simply sharing the love for a moment of magic. Contested’s mission is to create a unique space for passionate sports fans to connect and contribute to the excitement of the game.

“We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Trailfinders” said Maggi Broadbent, Marketing at Contested.

“Our collaboration represents an extraordinary opportunity to elevate the game and provide fans with a platform to come together, share, and celebrate the achievements of these remarkable athletes.”

For more information about Contested and its partnership with Trailfinders, please visit www.ealingtrailfinders.com or email info@etprm.com.

About Contested App:

Contested is a social platform designed to enhance the way sports fans experience their favourite teams and athletes. With its interactive features, and community-driven content, the Contested app brings fans closer to the game and to each other than ever before.

News, Women's News

Welcome Meya Bizer

Trailfinders Women are delighted to announce the signing of USA Eagle Meya Bizer.

The fly-half, who can also play in the centres or at fullback, will bring a wealth of experience from the 7s and 15s game, having been capped for the United States in both disciplines.

Bizer first picked up a rugby ball at the age of 16 and when the 7s residency programme was established in 2012, she decided to purse rugby as a career. Even before she turned 18, the American had received her first cap for 7s and then replicated this in 15s a couple of months later.

Since her first appearances, the 30-year-old has gone on to win 27 caps for the 15s team and 13 for the 7s side in an Eagles jersey. Her rugby has taken her to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and two World Cups, most recently in New Zealand last year where the United States reached the quarter-finals.

Following the World Cup, Bizer was one of five Eagles to sign with Premier 15s side DMP Sharks. In 12 appearances, she scored one try and picked up a star player award.

Recently, she was named in the Eagles traveling squad for their test against Spain, and for the 2023 Pacific Four Series. Bizer was in the starting line-up when her side beat Spain 20-14.

On signing with Trailfinders Women, Bizer said: “Last year was my first in the Premier 15s, and I wouldn’t trade that experience.

“This next season I’m beyond excited to be with Trailfinders. I’m honoured to be a part of something for its first year in the Prem.

“It’s a great opportunity to set the foundations for the direction the club wants to go in the future.”

Director of Women’s Rugby Giselle Mather said: “Meya is a very exciting player on both sides of the ball.

“Her physicality in defence makes her a fan favourite, and in attack she enjoys playing close to the line and has an eye for a gap. This, coupled with excellent offloading skills, makes her a constant threat to her opponents.

“We are very much looking forward to bringing her international experience, skill set and energy to TFSC.”

News, Women's News

Welcome Sophie Ragg

Trailfinders Women are pleased to have announced the signing of exciting back Sophie Ragg.

The centre, who is also more than comfortable playing on the wing, first started playing rugby after attending a Talent Transfer camp for the England 7s.

After impressing on the camp and then falling in love with the game, she begun to excel in both 7s and 15s which led to her being given the opportunity to study in America alongside her rugby.

She moved to Dartmouth College, where she spent five years studying Biology with a focus on Zoology and Environmental Conservation. During her time in New Hampshire, she was appointed joint captain of the first team and led the team to three National Championship Titles.

Since graduating she has been playing in the Premier Rugby 7s in America for the Pittsburg Steeltoes.

When speaking about moving to West-London, Ragg said: “I am so excited to be returning to England and playing for Trailfinders at what is such an exciting time for women’s rugby in this country.

“Joining this brand new team is such a great opportunity to create something incredible and I can’t wait to get started.”

Director of Women’s Rugby Giselle Mather said: “Sophie is a hugely driven, self-motivated athlete who is going to do great things in the Premier 15s.

“Her boundless energy and ability to see the positive in all situations, as well as her passion for hard work will make a huge impact at Trailfinders, both on and off the field. I can’t wait for her to get started!”

News, Women's News

French International Elisa Riffonneau becomes a Trailfinder

Trailfinders Women are delighted to announce the signing of French International Elisa Riffonneau.

The hooker, who has also played for France U20s, joins Abby Dow, Liz Crake, Rowena Burnfield, Kie Tamai and Tyson Beukeboom in bringing international experience to Trailfinders Sports Club next year.

Despite her quick rise to international honours, Riffonneau didn’t actually take up rugby until the age of 14, when she went to her local club, USJ. After loving it from the outset, her move to Rennes for high school allowed her to join Stade Rennais rugby club.

Stade Rennais have several sides, with their first team competing in Élite 1, the top league for women’s rugby in France; another side in the French third division and then an U18s and an U15s level.

Riffonneau has been playing at Stade Rennais for the last five seasons, slowly progressing through their various sides. Last season, when she had finished school, she was called up to and was capped by the French U20s side before she then was part of the French wider training squad ahead of last year’s World Cup.

Despite not being named in the final 32, Riffonneau did then make her French debut earlier this year, as she played against Ireland in April in the Tik Tok Women’s Six Nations.

As well as playing rugby next year, Riffonneau will also be studying at Brunel University, further cementing the link between the West London uni and the club.

When speaking about joining the club, Riffonneau said: “I’m very happy to be joining Trailfinders as I take on this new adventure.

“Having only really played in France before, I’m looking forward to discovering these new experiences and testing myself in English rugby”.

Director of Women’s Rugby Giselle Mather said: Elisa has made outstanding progress this season and will join us brimming with confidence.

“To gain her first French cap in the front row at such a young age is a remarkable achievement and we can’t wait to help her continue that upward development curve and to see her challenge herself in the Premier15s.”

News, Women's News

Welcome Rosie Inman

Trailfinders Women are pleased to announce the signing of Rosie Inman ahead of the club’s first season in the Allianz Premier 15s.

The fullback brings a plethora of top flight experience as she moves from Bristol Bears, a side who have made the league playoffs for the second season in a row.

Inman is a product of Biggleswade RFC. She first picked up a rugby ball aged seven and despite being the only girl in her team, laid the foundations for a fruitful career.

The versatile back, who has played both fullback and fly-half, combined her rugby with studies at the University of Bristol as part of her Masters in Biomedical Science.

Prior to this, Inman studied Biology at Durham University and got her first taste of Premier 15s whilst playing for DMP Sharks.

In her final year in the North East, the fullback helped Durham secure the BUCS National League title.

While Inman often lines up in the 15 jersey, she is certainly not out of place throughout the backs, having had experience on the wing and at fly-half, as well as honing her skills as a goal kicker.

Over recent months, Inman has lifted silverware at Twickenham. She was on loan with Cheltenham Tigers which included their Championship Final triumph over Leicester Tigers.

Ahead of joining the club, Rosie Inman said: “I’m really looking forward to joining Trailfinders.

“It is an amazing opportunity that I am very grateful for. I’m excited to be involved with a team that is only going to grow and I can’t wait to get started!”

Women’s Director of Rugby Giselle Mather said: “I am really excited to begin working with Rosie. She is fully engaged in the opportunity and committed to working really hard to achieve success and I know she is going to make huge gains this season.”

Inman joins Canadian International Tyson Beukeboom and exciting centre/ wing Jess Cooksey in joining the club this week.