Trailfinders Women and Brunel University Expand Pathway with Ricards Lodge High School Partnership

Trailfinders Women, in partnership with Brunel University London, are pleased to announce Ricards Lodge High School as the latest addition to their growing female rugby pathway.

This collaboration strengthens a fully aligned development system, with Brunel University at its core, providing a clear progression route from school and college rugby into the high-performance environment at Trailfinders Women.

Ricards Lodge joins a network of pathway colleges supported by Brunel University and Trailfinders Women, giving aspiring players access to high-quality coaching, structured development, and a clear understanding of what is required to progress within the women’s game.

Through this partnership, Ricards Lodge student-athletes will compete in the AoC Premiership, with ambitions of progressing into the ACE League, and ultimately into university and senior rugby environments.

Alongside this elite sporting provision, Ricards Lodge remains firmly committed to delivering an outstanding education. The school offers a broad range of academic pathways, including a comprehensive selection of A-Levels and BTEC qualifications. This dual career approach enables Academy players to pursue challenging academic studies while training in a professional environment, ensuring they are well prepared for success both on the pitch and beyond.

The programme is designed to support dual career development, ensuring players can pursue both their academic ambitions and rugby potential. With continued alignment across school, college, university, and senior rugby, the pathway offers a comprehensive and sustainable model for long-term player development.

Sharon Colligan, Director of Sport at Ricards Lodge High School, said:

‘We are incredibly excited to launch this partnership with Trailfinders and Brunel University. For our students, this offers a unique and invaluable opportunity to experience a professional rugby environment while continuing to develop academically.

‘This collaboration provides clear and meaningful pathways for our players, giving them the support they need to grow both in their sport and as individuals. We are proud to be part of a programme that is so committed to developing young female talent.’

Emma Cooper, Women’s Academy Manager at Brunel University and U23 Head Coach at Trailfinders Women, said:

‘This partnership is a key step in continuing to build a clear and connected pathway for female rugby players. Aligning schools like Ricards Lodge with Brunel University and Trailfinders Women allows us to support athletes at every stage of their development.

‘Our aim is to create an environment where players can thrive both academically and athletically, with a genuine understanding of what it takes to progress through the pathway and into the senior game. We’re excited to welcome Ricards Lodge into the programme and look forward to working closely together to develop the next generation of players.’

This latest partnership reflects the ongoing commitment of Trailfinders Women and Brunel University to grow the women’s game and create accessible, high-quality opportunities for the next generation of players.