Tag Archive for: Trailfinders Women

ISLA NORMAN-BELL SIGNS FOR TRAILFINDERS WOMEN

We are thrilled to announce the signing of Isla Norman-Bell.                       

Born in Gillingham and brought up in New Zealand from the age of two, Norman-Bell brought a kiwi flare to the international stage for both England and Team GB.

A lightning quick threat on the field, the playmaking Olympian boasts significant international pedigree accumulated and finely tuned on the Sevens circuit.

Upon signing for Trailfinders Women, Norman-Bell said:

“I’m super pleased to be joining Trailfinders, and the opportunity to be back playing 15s this season.

“This is a top four team, and I can’t wait to test myself in the PWR. Barney’s vision and style of play will really suit my skillset. I’m able to play a structured game but thrive when given the freedom to play what I see, and that was a deciding factor when choosing the right club for me.”

Head Coach, Barney Maddison said:

“Isla’s a really exciting player. She’s been fantastic on the Sevens circuit for Team GB over the past couple of seasons.

“I love that we can bring her into the fifteens game – I think she’s going to be an exciting prospect.”

Trailfinders Women secure Flo Long

We are thrilled to announce the signing of Flo Long, an experienced prop who brings technical expertise and power to the front row.

Born in Bristol, the former University of Worcester Warriors player has shown top-flight calibre in her career, representing fellow PWR sides Bristol Bears, Exeter Chiefs and Saracens.

Long has represented England U20s and was included in the Red Roses squad for the 2021 Six Nations, further demonstrating her pedigree in the game.

Renowned for her ability in the scrum, she will be a formidable addition for Trailfinders.

On joining Trailfinders, Long said:

“I’m really looking forward to being part of the Trailfinders team. The drive and ambition from players and coaches for this upcoming season is really exciting to me and I can’t wait to be a positive player and influence on the team.

“I know some of the girls from when I played at Worcester Warriors, and to hear about the positive culture that has been built there is a huge green flag for me and that means it’s a team I can’t wait to be a part of.”

Head Coach, Barney Maddison, said:

“Flo is a fantastic addition to our squad. Her set-piece expertise and experience in the league will be invaluable, and we’re looking forward to seeing her in action.”

Manon Johnes signs for Trailfinders Women

We are delighted to confirm the signing of Manon Johnes, a Wales international back-rower with a wealth of experience on both the 15s and 7s circuits.

The 24-year-old Cardiff native made her international debut at just 17 years old against South Africa and has since played in multiple Six Nations campaigns.

Known for her tenacity in defence, she has represented Wales at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and won bronze at the Youth Commonwealth Games in Barbados.

A former Cardiff Blues Women Player of the Year, Johnes has also played for Bristol Bears and is a graduate of Oxford University, where she studied Geography.

Speaking on her signing, Johnes said:

“I’m buzzing to be joining Trailfinders this season. The club’s ambition really attracted me. The full-time training environment and the level of competition here… it really feels like the perfect place for me to keep developing my game and take the next step in my rugby career.”

Head Coach, Barney Maddison, added:

“Manon is an outstanding player who brings international experience, leadership, and a relentless work ethic. We’re thrilled to have her on board.”

ELLIE BOATMAN SIGNS NEW CONTRACT

We are delighted to confirm that Ellie Boatman has signed a new contract with the club.

The 28-year-old winger, who hails from Surrey, brings a wealth of Premier 15s experience, having previously represented Saracens, Richmond, Wasps, and Harlequins.

An explosive back with proven finishing ability, Boatman has also been a standout performer on the international Sevens circuit. She has represented both England and GB Sevens, most notably winning gold at the 2023 European Games in Kraków and being selected for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

A dangerous runner in space with lightning acceleration, she adds vital composure and unpredictability in the wide channels.

Speaking on re-signing, Boatman said:

“I’m really excited to be focusing on Trailfinders Women this coming season. I’m proud of my journey in Sevens, and that chapter of my career, but I’m looking forward to bringing all that to Fifteens and Trailfinders.

“The environment here is ambitious and professional, and I’m looking to being part of a group that’s pushing standards every week.”

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added:

“Ellie has been a brilliant addition to our squad. Her pace, experience, and Sevens background make her a constant threat, and she brings real composure on and off the pitch.”

 

Emma Wassell joins Trailfinders Women

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.”

Steven Shingler to join Scotland Rugby coaching team for World Cup

Steven Shingler will join the Scotland Rugby Women’s national team on secondment for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

Shingler joined the Trailfinders Women coaching team as an assistant coach for the 2024/25 season and made an immediate and transformative impact on the team’s attacking play, helping drive a rise in tries scored – 80 in total, up from 53 the previous season.

Speaking on Shingler joining up with the team, Scotland Rugby Head Coach Bryan Easson said:

“This does now present an exciting opportunity to reset and refresh our coaching team. We’re very grateful to Trailfinders Women for working with us to bring Steve into our environment.

“We welcomed Steve into camp during this year’s Six Nations and we were really impressed by him then. We have several players at Trailfinders, including some of our key attacking players, who have a fantastic relationship with him already and know what he’s about which will give us a smooth transition.”

Head Coach Barney Maddison said:

“We’ve got a good relationship with Scotland Rugby, and their request to have Shings join them for the World Cup is both testament to the way our attack went last year and the influence he has on that, as well as his own growing reputation in the game.”

“With Max [Bodilly] coming in on the coaching team, we’re setup really well to support opportunities for our people to develop, and both Max and Shings will no doubt benefit both professionally and personally from this period.

“We wish Shings and the team all the best for the tournament and look forward to him bringing back that experience when he joins back up with us.”

Scotland Captain Rachel Malcolm signs

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.”

Trailfinders sign Black Fern Alana Borland

We are thrilled to announce the marquee signing of Alana Borland (nee Bremner), who brings a wealth of success and experience to the club.

Originating from Christchurch, New Zealand, Alana has enjoyed a distinguished rugby career both domestically and internationally. Alana began her rugby journey at Lincoln University, where she became the first woman to play 50 times for the side. She then played for Matatū in Super Rugby Aupiki, where she was a key part of the team that clinched their first-ever Super Rugby title after defeating Chiefs Manawa in the final.

Having also represented Canterbury provincially, she was a pivotal figure in their domination of New Zealand rugby. As captain, she led Canterbury to their fourth consecutive Farah Palmer Cup title in 2020 and was named Player of the Season in recognition of her outstanding performances.

On the international stage, Borland has earned 28 caps for the Black Ferns, becoming an integral part of their forward pack, scoring 5 tries along the way. She made her international debut in the Black Ferns’ historic 100th test matchagainst England in 2021, scoring her first Test try in the same match. Later that year, she was a member of the Rugby World Cup-winning squad and scored a try in the quarterfinals against Wales.

Known for her exceptional tackling, leadership, and expertise at the lineout, she is a versatile and dynamic player who will be a key asset to Trailfinders Women.

On signing with Trailfinders Women, Alana said:

“I’m very excited to be joining Trailfinders for the upcoming season. I’m looking forward to challenging myself in a new environment and seeing what value I can add to this team.

“After talking to Barney and a current player, the club sounds like it has a great culture and a well-resourced, well supported team.”

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added:

“Alana is a world-class player, and we are incredibly excited to have her on board. Her experience at the highest level, both domestically and internationally, will be invaluable to our squad.

“Her leadership, physicality, and lineout expertise will add depth to our pack, and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact she will make here with us.”

Cana Williams joins Trailfinders Women

We are excited to welcome Cana Williams, a powerful prop who has already made her mark in Welsh rugby.

A graduate of Loughborough University, where she studied Sports and Exercise Science, Williams has shown versatility and athleticism throughout her career.

She represented Wales in the first-ever U20s Women’s Six Nations and is a former county champion rower, which no doubt contributes to her natural strength and endurance.

On her signing, Williams said:

“I’m really excited to develop in a new training environment at Trailfinders. It’s close to home for me being from Windsor, and I’m super excited to meet all the girls and start my next chapter.”

Head Coach, Barney Maddison commented:

“Cana is a strong and talented young prop with huge potential. Her work ethic and physicality will add more strength to the squad, and she’ll be a great asset for us.”

Ikahihifo signs extension

We are pleased to confirm that Shannon Ikahihifo has extended her contract with the club.

The 30-year-old back rower, originally from New Zealand, signed for Trailfinders Women ahead of the 2023/24 campaign following impressive spells with Blues Women and Ponsonby Rugby Club.

A powerful and experienced presence at the breakdown and in defence, Ikahihifo made an immediate impact at Trailfinders and was soon rewarded with international recognition, earning caps for Ireland in the 2025 Women’s Six Nations against Scotland, England, and Wales.

Her ability to adapt and thrive speaks volumes about her professionalism and impact, and her ball-carrying power and leadership around the park have been vital assets to the Trailfinders pack.

Speaking on her commitment to another season, Ikahihifo said:

“The girls have become a family away from home for me. I’m looking forward to seeing how the team continues to build in this upcoming season.”

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added:

“Shannon brings physicality, experience, and a brilliant team-first mindset. She’s been a rock for us and is exactly the kind of player you want beside you in tough moments. We’re buzzing to keep her at the club.”

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