Tag Archive for: Trailfinders Women

We are pleased to announce that Cara Brincat has signed a contract extension with the club.

The 25-year-old has been a dynamic presence in the back row, bringing a relentless work rate and physicality to the squad.

Cara spent seven seasons at Worcester Warriors before joining Trailfinders and has represented England at U18 and U20 levels, as well as in sevens at U18 level.

On her contract extension, Cara said:

“I’m grateful to be re-signing with Trailfinders! It hasn’t been the smoothest ride with injuries, but I’m buzzing for this season’s comeback.

“The team is building something special, and I can’t wait to get stuck in and keep pushing forward with the squad.”

Head Coach, Barney Maddison, commented:

“Cara’s been out for a long time with injury, it’s probably a testament to how hard she’s worked to getting back to being fully fit.

“To see her back out on the pitch will be a reflection of her attitude towards her training.”

We are delighted to confirm that Charlie Holland has signed a contract extension.

Holland, who has previously played for Exeter Chiefs Women, Richmond, and Wasps Women, signed for Trailfinders Women in June 2023.

Despite facing significant setbacks with ACL injuries in October 2022 and again in June 2024, she has shown remarkable determination in her recovery.

Her powerful ball-carrying and defensive work have been valuable assets when on the field, and her commitment to the squad is a testament to her resilience and passion for the game.

On her contract extension, Charlie said:

“So excited to be resigning with Trailfinders Women – there’s nowhere else I’d rather spend my comeback year.

“The girls are great, the coaching staff are great and it’s a really high-performance environment. I’m really excited to get on the field.”

Head Coach, Barney Maddison, commented:

“Charlie’s had a really tough time with injury recently, so it’s really great seeing her back out on the pitch.

“To have her back, having a full pre-season under her belt, we’re looking forward to seeing what she can do.”

We are pleased to confirm the signing of Kim Grundy.

A talented winger, Grundy joins from RAF Rugby Union having also previous turned out in Premier 15s with Bristol Bears Women, honing her abilities in top-flight rugby.

Known for her intelligent positioning and instinctive sense of space, Grundy consistently poses a threat from the flank. Her dynamic style of play and sharp finishing ability make her a constant challenge for opposition defences, with a fitness level that allows her to maintain intensity.

On signing for Trailfinders, Kim said:

“I’m really pleased to be joining Trailfinders, it means a lot to be here after having this goal before deploying during the 23/24 season. The team’s dynamic and ambition for a top-four finish coincide with my competitive drive, so I’m gassed to get involved as we head into the season.”

Head Coach, Barney Maddison added:

“Kim is coming in from the RAF, she’s an exciting player out on the wing and we’re really looking forward to her joining the group.

“It’s also really great opportunity to create a connection with the RAF, and it’ll be great to see Kim on a full-time basis training and playing with us.”

We have reached an agreement to release Chloe Rollie from her contract by mutual consent, allowing her to explore an opportunity overseas.

Rollie joined Trailfinders from Loughborough Lightning in 2024, having previously played for Exeter Chiefs Women and Harlequins Women, where she was part of the squad that claimed the Premiership Women’s Rugby title in 2021.

With a distinguished career in both 15s and 7s, Rollie has been a key figure for Scotland Women, earning 75 caps since making her debut in the 2015 Women’s Six Nations against France, scoring 26 tries.

She was also part of the squad for the 2021 Rugby World Cup and represented Scotland Sevens in their 2017 Rugby Europe Women’s Sevens Trophy win.

Speaking on her departure Rollie said:

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Trailfinders. I’ve made lifelong friends, played alongside amazing teammates and got to work with staff who pushed me to always do better.

“I am gutted to be leaving so quickly as I think this team is going to go places. I felt I fitted into the environment really well, but an opportunity that I didn’t think would come my way has, so for me personally, I think it’s the right choice and time to take it.

“I’d like to give a massive thanks to everyone who has supported me and the team, I was so welcomed by the fans and made to feel part of the family from day one.

“I wish the group well and all the success in the upcoming season, and I’ll see you all soon, I’m sure.”

 On Chloe’s departure, Head Coach, Barney Maddison, added:

“Chloe’s been a huge asset for us since she arrived here at the club. On the pitch, her dynamism, ability to create opportunities and positivity have been invaluable, but equally her character and qualities away from the pitch on the day-to-day has been really special and something

“She goes with our full support and best wishes for the future, and we hope we’ll see her again soon.”

Everyone at the club would like to thank Chloe for her efforts during her time with us and wish her all the best in the next chapter of her career.

We are pleased to announce that Emma Uren has signed a new contract with Trailfinders Women.

Born in Chiswick, a multi-sport upbringing aided Uren’s rise to a decorated international Sevens career through which she became an Olympian for England and Team GB in both the 2020 and 2024 Olympics. She was also named captain of the GB Sevens team for the 2024-25 SVNS series.

Uren signed for Trailfinders ahead of the 2023/2024 season, having previously represented Saracens in Premier 15s. A dynamic option on the wing, Uren’s versatility also makes her a threat across the field and a reliable member of the squad.

Speaking on her new contract, Uren said:

“I’m super excited to sign another year at Trailfinders. Every season the club has grown, and I think this one will be no different.

“The club allows us to play what we see and I think that is a style of rugby that really suits me. I can’t wait to see what impact we can have on the league this year, and I’m looking forward to bringing my game to that.

“It’s going to be really nice to spend more time down at the club this season, alongside such an amazing group of players and coaching staff and to see where this year takes me.”

Head Coach, Barney Maddison said:

“Emma Uren is a fantastic rugby player coming off the back of a couple of really strong Sevens seasons skippering the squad.

“It’s great we’re able to get her here on a more regular basis, and she’ll add some great leadership to the group.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

 

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.”

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