Rachel Malcolm - 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 thrilled to announce the signing of Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm.

A modern back-row player, Malcolm is known for her relentless work rate, defensive prowess, and exceptional leadership on and off the field.

Born in Glasgow, Malcolm previously represented Scotland in hockey at U17, U18, and U21 levels before switching to rugby in her mid-twenties.

Quickly rising through the ranks, Malcolm made her Scotland debut in a 2016 Rugby World Cup qualifier against Spain, before earning her first start in the 2017 Six Nations. Since then, she has amassed 56 international caps, having also captain the side since 2020. Hailed as one of the “great Scotland captains”, she has been a driving force for her nation ever since.

At club level, Malcolm recently departed Loughborough Lightning, having represented the side since their inaugural Premier 15s season in 2017/18. She made 67 appearances for the club and played her final match against Trailfinders at Franklin’s Gardens in February.

Towards the end of her time at Loughborough, she combined her playing career with a player-coach role, assisting head coach Nathan Smith in developing the next generation of talent.

On signing for Trailfinders Women, Malcolm said:

“I’m super excited for a new experience down in London. This move had to be right for me as a person as well as a rugby player. I wanted to go somewhere where I can challenge myself and strive to be the best player I can be.

“The exciting group of players that have been put together is one I’m excited to learn from, and hopefully one that I can add too as well.”

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added:

“Rachel brings immense leadership, experience, and a tireless work ethic. She is a fantastic addition to our squad, and we are excited to see the impact she will have.”