Trailfinders embrace underdog role before first PWR final

Trailfinders are preparing for their first Premiership Women’s Rugby final, where they will meet Saracens at The Stoop. Forward Abi Burton has framed the occasion as one her side are approaching with belief rather than intimidation.

The west London club reached the final after finishing fourth, their best PWR placing, and then eliminating reigning champions Gloucester-Hartpury in the semi-final. Saracens bring a very different pedigree, with the north London side chasing a fourth title in the Premier 15s/PWR era.

Burton’s perspective carries weight within the squad: she has been involved across Trailfinders’ three PWR campaigns and was part of England’s 2025 World Cup and 2026 Six Nations-winning groups. Her message is that past defeats to Saracens matter as lessons, not as a reason to shrink from the final.

Head coach Barney Maddison also sees Trailfinders’ rise as part of a broader shift in the league, with more clubs challenging at the top. For editors, the key storyline is whether this all-London final marks a one-off upset run or a deeper change in the competitive balance of women’s domestic rugby.