Following their promotion to BUCS Super Rugby for the first time, the spotlight is on both the team and coaches leading them there.
The entire coaching group is made up of some of our Trailfinders Women players currently competing at the elite level of women’s rugby in the world. For the player’s coming through Brunel University, it is an unparalleled opportunity to learn from women performing at the very top of the game.
Steered by the coaching group, with the programme recruitment overseen by Academy Manager & U23s Coach Emma Cooper, the team secured promotion to BUCS Super Rugby last season. At the reigns for the inaugural season in the topflight is Head Coach, and England international, Abi Burton, supported by USA Eagles and Trailfinders Captain, Kate Zackary, Belgian international, Ella Amory, and fellow Red Rose star, Meg Jones.
New to the coaching staff this year, for Meg Jones – recently announced in the England Rugby World Cup squad herself – it’s about bringing her experience full circle.
“I think the biggest, or the most exciting part for me about coaching next season is the aspirations of the group – obviously coming up and being promoted to BUCS Super Rugby is an amazing achievement.”
“For the players, to be a part of a more professional setup, looking to push themselves a little bit further and to be at the top of the BUCS game, as well as potentially then going on and playing in the PWR – future aspirations of being, maybe, a Red Rose… it’s a great opportunity.
“Growing up, I never had many female coach role models. Danielle Waterman was actually our first coach at Hartpury College. To have that role model was inspiring and it showed me that I was capable of doing what I wanted to do. The dream was to be an England international, and to see it first-hand, that was one of the best things that could have happened to me. That’s probably one of the biggest and most exciting boxes that I get to tick now to almost give back to the game that’s given me so much.”
Meg also reflects on her own approach to leadership and what it means to coach with intent and integrity.
“I’ve always had quite high standards of myself and others. But I’ll continue to say I’m here to inspire, but also be inspired. That’s really important going forward. The grass is green where you water it – and all that means is, wherever you put your energy and effort and all the other bits, you’ll get something out of it. You’ll get a nice green lawn at the end.
“That shared belief in effort and growth runs across the coaching team. Kate Zackary, now entering her second-year coaching Brunel University’s Women’s side, sees the dynamic between the coaches – all of whom are teammates – as a unique strength.
“Our dynamic and diversity as a coaching group is one of our greatest strengths. The relationships we’re building on the pitch as teammates create a solid foundation and a deep understanding of each others’ strengths, communication styles, and leadership approaches.
“Looking ahead to next season, as both teammates and coaches within the Trailfinders eco-system, we’ll have the opportunity to collaborate closely, support and challenge one another in a positive way, and share ideas to bring the best out of the team.
For Kate, representation also plays a central role in shaping the athlete experience.
“Representation matters. When Brunel players see women excelling in coaching roles, it reinforces the idea that leadership in sport isn’t limited by gender. It creates a powerful sense of possibility and visibility for the next generation of athletes – showing them that they can aspire, not just to play at a high level, but to lead, mentor, and influence the game too.”
Coaching the side, for Kate, is also a professional development opportunity in its own right.
“Being involved with Brunel for a second season is a fantastic opportunity for me to continue developing as a coach. I’m consistently learning – not just from the players, but from our entire Brunel staff and the Trailfinders coaches. It gives me a platform to refine my technical and tactical understanding, experiment with different coaching methods, and build my own philosophy.
Long term, I’d love to keep progressing through the coaching pathway and Brunel provides the perfect opportunity to take those next steps.”
Ella Amory, too, is motivated by the chance to shape young athletes beyond just the rugby field.
“What excites me most about my coaching role, first of all, is I love coaching. I think the better coaches are people that develop you not only as players, but also as people – and that’s something I’m really excited about in this role.
“You know, it’s girls from 18 to 23 – and I think that’s an age where you obviously learn a lot rugby-wise but as a person as well and I’m really excited to be able to share my coaching and how I see the game, but also how I conduct my life as a person. I want to bring as much as I can – the skills, the tactical vision of the game, but also good values and culture and just helping them grow as people as well as rugby players.”
Overseeing it all is Head Coach, Abi Burton – herself set to make her World Cup debut later this year – who sees the group as not just coaching staff, but living proof of what women in rugby can achieve – and what the Brunel players can aspire to.
“I’ve always believed in the power of visibility. If you can see it, you can be it, so when young women see someone like them leading it creates a belief that they can do it too – whether that’s playing internationally, coaching professionally, or leading in other areas of their lives. That’s what we want to create here: not just a successful team on the pitch, but an environment that inspires too.”
With the BUCS Super Rugby campaign on the horizon, a cohort full of talent coming through the system, and a coaching group that embodies elite performance and mentorship, Brunel University and Ealing Trailfinders are creating an unmatched environment for young athletes looking to take their next steps towards achieving their dreams.
For more information on the Brunel University programme, please contact Academy Manager & U23’s Coach, Emma Cooper at emma.cooper@etprm.com.
