Tag Archive for: Trailfinders Women

Celebrate an incredible Rugby World Cup with your favourite international stars!

Join us from 6.30pm on Thursday 30th October at Trailfinders Sports Club as we welcome back the internationals who proudly wore their nations shirts at the biggest ever Women’s Rugby World Cup.

18 Trailfinders represented nine different nations across the tournament which saw the Red Roses crowned world champions in front of a record 81,855 crowd at Allianz Twickenham Stadium.

Alongside an evening of World Cup stories and rugby chat, your ticket includes event entry, a lively Q&A session with our World Cup stars, and a one-course buffet service, all for just £35.

By using the promo code sent to their email, Season Pass Holders can get £5 off each ticket!

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to celebrate a landmark moment in the game, with your favourite stars.

We are pleased to announce the extension of our partnership with Sinton Andrews as they become a Strategic Partner of Trailfinders Women.

The Sinton Andrews logo will proudly feature on the rear of the Trailfinders Women’s playing shirts for the 2025-26 season, as well as on the unreserved seating area adjacent to the East Stand.

Adam Sinton, Director, Sinton Andrews said:

This partnership brings together two pillars of the community – Sinton Andrews helps people find their home, and Ealing Trailfinders makes them feel at home.

“That shared sense of community is why this partnership has always felt like the right fit, and we’re excited for that to continue.”

Tim Smith, Head of Commercial, Ealing Trailfinders said:

“The relationship between the Club and Sinton Andrews has always been about more than visibility; it’s about supporting the people and the places that make this community thrive and we at the Club, along with Adam [Sinton], Rob [Andrews], Conchita [Prophet], and the wider Sinton Andrews team, are certainly committed to doing that.

“I’m really pleased to be continuing our journey together.”

As part of the renewed agreement, home seekers moving into or within the Ealing borough with Sinton Andrews will receive a welcome to the area with an invitation that includes complimentary tickets to an Ealing Trailfinders or Trailfinders Women home game, giving them the option to create an instant connection to both their new community and their local club.

To find out more about Sinton Andrews and their services, visit their website here.

Meg Jones has been nominated for the World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year award.

Fresh from qualifying for this weekend’s World Cup Final with a standout performance against France, Meg Jones was today included in the shortlist alongside Canada and Saracen’s Sophie de Goede, and New Zealand’s Jorja Miller.

Speaking on Meg’s nomination, Trailfinders Women Head Coach, Barney Maddison said:

“Meg is an immense player. She’s a formidable leader on the pitch who lifts everyone around her; she’s been central to so much of what England have achieved at the World Cup so far. To see her nominated is no surprise – it’s simply recognition of the world class player and person she is. She’s someone we cannot wait to see in a Trailfinders shirt this season.”

This year’s winner will be announced at Saturday’s World Cup final, where Meg, Abi Burton, and the rest of their Red Roses teammates will face off against a Canada side that features Trailfinders Julia Schell, Claire Gallagher, and Mikiela Nelson.

Trailfinders Women’s PWR Cup campaign came to an end following a 19-5 defeat to Exeter Chiefs Women on a wet Saturday afternoon at Sandy Park.

Starting brightly, Trailfinders enjoyed early possession of the ball but failed to convert periods of control into points.

It was the hosts that struck first when a driving maul in the 16th minute saw hooker Kayleigh Priest get over the Trailfinders line to score on her Sandy Park debut. The subsequent conversion was confidently dispatched by Liv McGoverne to give Chiefs the 7-0 lead.

A second try followed for Exeter just after the halfway of the first 40, with the Chiefs forwards’ determination proving enough to see Alessia Skeates score. McGoverne’s second conversion gave the home side the 14-0 lead heading into halftime.

HT: Exeter Chiefs 14-0 Trailfinders Women

A short relief from the rain and Trailfinders came out in the second half pushing for openings. However, despite our efforts, a penalty on our 22 resulted in a well-worked try from wide scored by Katie Buchanan. McGoverne couldn’t make it three from three, and the score stood at 19-0.

The 72nd minute brought a notable moment for Trailfinders as Isla Pomroy made her debut. The City of Oxford pathway product and current Brunel University student was one of eight Brunel student to feature in today’s match-day squad.

Trailfinders’ persistence did ultimately pay off late in the game. Pressure on the Chiefs defence resulted in a sharp release from Sophie Molton finding its way to Charlie Holland, whose step between two defenders saw enough a gap to get the ball down over the line from close.

The final whistle saw the score finish 19-5, ending our PWR Cup campaign just shy of the knockouts.

FT: Exeter Chiefs 19-5 Trailfinders Women

Exeter Chiefs – 

Tries: Kayleigh Priest (16), Alessia Skeates (22), Katie Buchanan (45)

Conversions: Liv McGoverne (17, 23)

Trailfinders Women –

Tries: Charlie Holland (79)

Trailfinders Women name their lineup to play Exeter Chiefs in the PWR Cup.

Head Coach Barney Maddison makes three changes to the starting XV that played Harlequins a fortnight ago.

Emma Taylor and Brooke Bradley remain as co-captains for Saturday’s Round Three clash.

Charlie Holland and Annabel Meta keep their places in the back row, with Haidee Head coming back into the side.

Ella Amory and Vicky Laflin move from the replacements to start at fly-half and fullback, respectively.

Cana Williams, Niamh Swailes and Cassandra Tuffnail all keep their places in the front row. Cara Brincat partners Taylor in the second row.

Niamh Gallagher shifts into the centres alongside Jess Cooksey. Rosie Inman and Grace White remain unchanged on the wings.

Trailfinders Rugby Academy players Hayley Jones, Isla Pomroy, Scarlet Down, Sophie Molton and Immy Wilcox are amongst the replacements.

Kick-off is at 13:00 on Saturday 20th September at Sandy Park.

Starting XV:

15. Vicky Laflin

14. Grace White

13. Niamh Gallagher

12. Jess Cooksey

11. Rosie Inman

10. Ella Amory

9. Brooke Bradley (cc)

1.  Cana Williams

2. Niamh Swailes

3. Cassandra Tuffnail

4. Emma Taylor (cc)

5. Cara Brincat

6. Charlie Holland

7. Annabel Meta

8. Haidee Head

Replacements:

16. Hayley Jones

17. Miça Evans

18. Isla Pomroy

19. Amelia Buckland-Hurry

20. Scarlet Down

21. Sophie Molton

22. Immy Wilcox

23. Ellie Lennon

This season, our home match posters will celebrate the iconic Ealing Studios, paying homage to some of the legendary films that have shaped generations of cinema, created right here in Ealing.

From the elegance of the 1940s to the spectacle of modern blockbusters, each design will echo a chapter in the remarkable history of the longest continuously running film studio in the world.

Weaving the artistry of film into the passion of rugby, we’ll showcase our fixtures in a way that reflects the pride we have in the cultural heritage of our community.

Jack Cairns, Head of Marketing at Ealing Trailfinders said:

“It’s a celebration of two great institutions at the heart of the Ealing community; one that tell stories on the silver screen, and another that plays them out on the pitch – each demanding drama, spectacle, and touch of timeless style. We’re proud to bring them together in a way that honours what makes this place feel special.”

Our teams’ first home games each receive the cinematic treatment initially, with our men’s Champ Rugby opener against Chinnor inspired by The Darkest Hour (2017) and Trailfinders Women’s PWR Round 1 Clash against Exeter Chiefs reminiscent of Ealing Studios’ classic, Passport to Pimlico (1949).

Be sure to follow on our socials and look out for the special matchday posters throughout the season.

To learn more about the incredible history of Ealing Studios, visit their website here.

Caity Mattinson has retired from professional rugby to pursue a new opportunity in coaching.

Mattinson, who joined Trailfinders in July 2024, has decided to retire from playing professional rugby to focus on a full-time career in coaching.

From her first steps in rugby at aged 7 for Tynedale Rugby Club through to representing Scotland at the Rugby World Cup in her final appearance, the scrum-half has shown passion, dependability, and an attacking flare that meant she was a vital playmaker and a valued teammate throughout her playing career.

Speaking about her time at the club, Mattinson said:

“I’d just like to say a big thank you to everyone at the club for making me so welcome and all the support last season. Trailfinders is a great group of players and I’ve no doubt that they’ll do big things this season and I’m looking forward to cheering them on from the stands.

“I’d also like to thank the U14 girls and their parents, it was a real pleasure to coach them and be reminded of what it’s all about.

Finally to Barney, who’s been incredibly supportive of my decision to retire and who’s Tynedale roots were always a welcome reminder of home.”

Head Coach of Trailfinders Women, Barney Maddison said:

“Caity is a true professional and has always put the team first during her time with us.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with her, and I believe she has a big future in the game from a coaching point of view. I’m excited to see her grow in her next chapter of her rugby career.”

Everyone at the club wishes Caity all the very best of luck in her next adventure.

Trailfinders Women support Fight For Sight’s Ealing Fashion Drop campaign

Fight For Sight is a charity on a mission to Save Sight. Change Lives. They fund scientific and social research into vision loss and they have 14 charity shops across London, including one in Ealing Broadway.

Fight for Sight are always grateful for donations to their shops, but when an online retailer donated a huge 8 tonnes of new-with-tags fashion, it enabled them to do something really special in Ealing. Their Ealing Fashion Drop was set up with the aim of saving these clothes from landfill in four weeks.

To support this ambitious undertaking, some of our Trailfinders Women players went to the shop on Ealing Broadway, to check out the stock and support the campaign. Local sustainable stylist, Sarah Sole from Sourced Studio helped pick out some pieces for the players, who modelled their outfits at iconic locations around Ealing Broadway.

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby at the Club, said: 

“As a club, we believe our responsibilities within the community go far beyond the pitch. We want to lift up our community, and that means standing alongside the organisations that are making a real difference to people’s lives.

“Fight for Sight’s work is a huge contributor to supporting those living with sight loss, and we’re proud to play our part in raising awareness and backing their campaign.”

Phil Beavan, Director of Retail at Fight for Sight said:

“It was such a joy to have the players come down to Fight for Sight, Ealing. Their positivity and support brought a fantastic atmosphere to the shop and shows that these aren’t just professional sports people, they’re big-hearted members of our community. And of course, they all looked fabulous in the pieces they picked out for our shoot around Ealing Broadway!”

Trailfinders Women fly-half Isla Norman-Bell said:

“The community always shows up for us, and it’s important for us as a club to back the people and causes around us.

“Helping Fight for Sight raise awareness is a small way we can contribute to work that matters, and being involved is something that feels meaningful to us.”

Want to get new-with-label bargains and support the campaign yourself, which runs until Sunday 21st Sept)? Head down to the shop in Ealing Broadway at 2 The Broadway, London W5 2NH.

Round 2 of the PWR Cup at Horsham RFC proved a physical contest for both sides. 

Harlequins had a strong start with a quick opening score and backed up with a second in the first quarter. A third try for the home side extended the scoreline but Trailfinders were not to be shut out.

A fantastic lineout by Niamh Swailes set the driving maul going. The hooker held onto the ball in the maul and went over the line for Trailfinders’ first try.

The women in yellow quickly backed the first try up with a score from Charlie Holland to take the score to 19-10.

A third try before halftime for Trailfinders scored by Niamh Gallagher and a successful conversion by Emma Taylor ensured that there were only two points in it at half-time.

Half-time: 19-17

The hosts started quickly in the second half but Trailfinders fronted up with strong defence. But Harlequins muscle there way to a fourth try early in the second half.

Trailfinders immediately responded with a try from Hayley Jones. Again, another strong lineout throw set Trailfinders up for another driving maul and their fourth try.

Harlequins continued to run the ball through the phases and be physical in defence. They were rewarded with two more tries in the second half.

Full-time: Harlequins Women 38-22 Trailfinders Women 

Trailfinders Women: 

Tries: Niamh Swailes 29, Charlie Holland 35, Niamh Gallagher 40, Hayley Jones 57.

Conversions: Emma Taylor 40

Trailfinders Women name their lineup ahead of Round 2 in the PWR Cup at Horsham RFC. 

Barney Maddison has named both Emma Taylor and Brooke Bradley as co-captains for Round 2, after both women led the side to a 60-12 win over Gloucester-Hartpury in Round 1 of the cup.

Maddison only makes one change in the starting XV for the fixture against Quins. Cara Brincat comes into the back row alongside Annabel Meta and Charlie Holland.

Try scorers from the match against Gloucester-Hartpury Grace White and Rosie Inman start on the wing. Alongside them in the centres is Jess Cooksey and Emma Uren. Niamh Gallagher retains her place at fullback.

Cana Williams and Niamh Swailes start in the front-row, they will both make their second appearance for the Club.

Two changes on the bench see Gabby Brown and Miça Evans brought into the side to face Harlequins who won their Round 1 fixtures against Exeter Chiefs.

Kick-off is at 14:00 on Sunday 7 September 2025 at Horsham RFC.

Starting XV:

15. Niamh Gallagher

14. Rosie Inman

13. Emma Uren

12. Jess Cooksey

11. Grace White

10. Isla Norman-Bell

9. Brooke Bradley (cc)

1. Cana Williams

2. Niamh Swailes

3. Cassandra Tuffnail

4. Emma Taylor (cc)

5. Amelia Buckland-Hurry

6. Cara Brincat

7. Charlie Holland

8. Annabel Meta

Replacements:

16. Hayley Jones

17. Miça Evans

18. Kira Leat

19. Gabby Brown

20. Scarlet Down

21. Ella Amory

22. Ellie Lennon

23. Vicky Laflin

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