Emma Wassell - Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club

Five Trailfinders Women have been selected in Scotland’s 2025 World Cup squad.

Blindside Flanker and recent signing Rachel Malcolm will captain the side who will play in Pool B of the competition.

Alongside Malcolm in the forwards is second rower and former Loughborough Lightening teammate Emma Wassell. Wassell, who has recently become a Trailfinder, has made her way back to international rugby after recovering from a benign tumour in her chest last September.

In the backs, three Trailfinders Women will be flying the flag for Scotland: Caity Mattinson, Lisa Thomson, and recent signing Francesca McGhie.

Scrum-half Mattinson, who signed for Trailfinders in July 2024, debuted for her country back in 2021 during the Rugby World Cup Qualification Tournament against Colombia and will be looking to add to her 33 international caps.

In the backline, Thomson and rising star McGhie will be bringing their talents to English soil. McGhie will make her Rugby World Cup debut after her rapid climb through the Scottish ranks.

In 2024, both Thomson and McGhie were recognised as trailblazers of the game alongside Donna Kennedy. The two Trailfinders, alongside Kennedy, had sustainable statues of them unveiled in Edinburgh, representing the past, present and future of women’s rugby in Scotland.

Former Trailfinder Chloe Rollie will also feature in the Scottish squad.

We are delighted to announce the signing of Emma Wassell, an experienced Scottish international with an outstanding record at the highest level.

Born in Aberdeen, the 67-time capped Scotland international has been a pillar of consistency for her national side since making her debut against Ireland in the 2014 Six Nations. Her incredible durability saw her start 54 consecutive international matches – a record-breaking streak that only ended in April 2022 due to a wrist injury.

Wassell played a pivotal role in Scotland’s qualification for the 2021 Rugby World Cup, helping the team secure their first appearance at the tournament since 2010.

Wassell previously represented Loughborough Lightning in the PWR, making 28 appearances for the African Violets before departing earlier this year.

In September 2024, Wassell was diagnosed with a tumour in her chest, which following a subsequent sternotomy meant she had to sit out the 2024/25 PWR season to focus on her rehabilitation. In May 2025, she was named in the Scotland training squad for the Rugby World Cup.

Known for her exceptional work rate and strength at the set-piece, she brings invaluable experience to Trailfinders Women’s pack.

On signing with Trailfinders, Wassell said:

“I’m really excited to be joining the Club. It’s a new chapter for me, and I’m really excited to play amongst some incredible players, it seems like a lot of fun down there. The team play a really exciting brand of rugby – and I want a piece of it!

“I’ve had a bit of a rough season to say the least, and I just cannot wait to get back out there playing rugby with some incredible girls. I want to push myself, be challenged with the competition at the club, but also enjoy it.”

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added:

“Emma is a world-class operator in the second row. Her experience, consistency, and leadership will be a huge asset to the squad, and we’re thrilled to have her on board.”