Trailfinders secured their maiden Premiership Women's Rugby final appearance by defeating reigning champions Gloucester-Hartpury 29-26 in the semi-final. The victory ended Gloucester-Hartpury’s three-season reign as title holders [1].
Trailfinders, who joined the Premiership Women’s Rugby in 2023, had never finished higher than sixth place before this season. They took control early in the match, scoring four unanswered tries in the first half. Try scorers included Maya Montiel, Meg Jones, Isla Norman-Bell, and Emma Uren, with Norman-Bell crossing the line twice [1].
Although Gloucester-Hartpury mounted a comeback after halftime, thanks to tries from Rachel Lund, Georgia Brock, and Hannah Dallavalle, it was not enough to overturn the deficit [1]. Hope Rogers, a Gloucester-Hartpury player, said, "Disappointment is the biggest word. It was in our hands to win and to lose it at the end, just overwhelming feelings of disappointment and knowing what the girls can do" [2].
In the other semi-final, Saracens clinched a narrow 40-38 win over Exeter to avoid facing Gloucester-Hartpury in the final [2]. Olivia Apps, the Premiership Women’s Rugby player of the season, scored two tries for Saracens, while Zoe Harrison contributed five successful conversions out of six attempts. Jess Breach also scored a crucial solo try five minutes before full time to secure the win [2].
Saracens will face Trailfinders in the Premiership Women’s Rugby final scheduled for June 28, 2026 [2]. Trailfinders have never lost to Saracens, in contrast to a recent poor record against Gloucester-Hartpury [2].
