Abi Burton on WXV, PWR Final & Next Gen Cup

Abi Burton is proving her worth in the WXV Global Series, with an outstanding performance earning her the POTM award against Australia.

The Trailfinders Women back-row opened England’s scoring in the 19th minute, which was the first of 8 tries for the home-side.

“I felt confident and like I got into a bit of a flow,” she says. “I still made a few mistakes, but I need to remember that I can’t be perfect all the time.

“I can control my effort and energy, which was something I implemented into the game. Reflecting on it, I was happy with the performance that I put together.

“Hopefully we’ve now dusted off the cobwebs and will be ready to ‘rip it’ on Saturday.”

Burton is in the starting line-up against Canada, set for a rematch of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup Final in front of a sold-out Sandy Park.

Though she usually plays in the back row, Burton’s talent and versatility saw her adopted into the second row during the 2026 Women’s Six Nations.

“The versatility definitely adds another string to my bow,” says Burton. “We had a few second row issues due to injury, so I was the first to offer to do it. I would do anything for those girls.

“Naturally, I’m more comfortable in the back row, but I want to implement myself into the game anywhere I can, regardless of my shirt number.

“I don’t play any differently whether I’m 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. It just helps the team that I’m able to cover those different positions.”

Red Roses v Canada at Sandy Park is sold out, but tickets for their fixture against the Black Ferns at Allianz Stadium are still available here!

Alongside her Red Roses teammate, Meg Jones, Burton plays a key coaching role within Brunel University Women’s Rugby.

Whilst the two are on international duty, Brunel players have the chance to filter into Trailfinders Women’s JAECOO Next Gen Cup squad.

“The Next Gen Cup is so important. It gives the girls an opportunity to play, which they might not have if everybody was there.

“They’re able to get comfortable in an environment with a few less daunting characters, enabling them to implement themselves into games in a positive way.”

Trailfinders Women kick off their Next Gen Cup campaign this weekend against Bristol Bears, followed by fixtures against Harlequins and Gloucester Hartpury.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing how the girls get on, because it’s in their hands now.

"If they really throw themselves into the cup, I might not see them at Brunel anymore. They could be with Trailfinders all year.”

Tickets for Bristol Bears v Trailfinders Women on Saturday 19th September are available here.

After a remarkable 2025-26 season which saw her play in the 2026 Final, Burton is excited for the new JAECOO PWR season.

“I’m so excited to get back to club rugby. I absolutely love Trailfinders and the culture we’ve built there over the last 3 seasons.”

A nail-biting 26-29 win against Gloucester Hartpury in the 2025-26 semi-final sent Trailfinders Women into their first PWR Final.

The West London team faced a strong Saracens side on the day, resulting in a 52-14 loss at full-time.

“Our main focus last season was to make top four, but we hadn’t thought much beyond that. It wasn’t until it was actually in front of us that we realised ‘we could win the PWR'.

"Going into the new season, we know what we’re capable of. We can put those big performances together, and our new signings will only strengthen that.

“It will be an exciting season for us; it’s just about getting consistency in our performance.”

Trailfinders Women will face Loughborough Lightning in the opening fixture of the 2026-27 JAECOO PWR Season. Friday 20th November at Franklin’s Gardens, get your tickets now.