Double Scotland swop for Trailfinders as they gear up for 2025-26

Trailfinders Women's hopes of a top-four finish have been given a significant boost with the confirmation that Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm and a Test team-mate Emma Wassell will be playing at Trailfinders Sports Club next season.

Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm is a modern back-row player, known for her relentless work rate, defensive prowess, and exceptional leadership on and off the field.

Born in Glasgow, Malcolm previously represented Scotland in hockey at U17, U18, and U21 levels before switching to rugby in her mid-twenties.

Quickly rising through the ranks, Malcolm made her Scotland debut in a 2016 Rugby World Cup qualifier against Spain, before earning her first start in the 2017 Six Nations. Since then, she has amassed 56 international caps, having also captain the side since 2020. Hailed as one of the “great Scotland captains”, she has been a driving force for her nation ever since.

At club level, Malcolm recently departed Loughborough Lightning, having represented the side since their inaugural Premier 15s season in 2017/18. She made 67 appearances for the club and played her final match against Trailfinders at Franklin’s Gardens in February.

Towards the end of her time at Loughborough, she combined her playing career with a player-coach role, assisting head coach Nathan Smith in developing the next generation of talent.

On signing for Trailfinders Women, Malcolm said: “I’m super excited for a new experience down in London. This move had to be right for me as a person as well as a rugby player. I wanted to go somewhere where I can challenge myself and strive to be the best player I can be.

“The exciting group of players that have been put together is one I’m excited to learn from, and hopefully one that I can add too as well.”

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added: “Rachel brings immense leadership, experience, and a tireless work ethic. She is a fantastic addition to our squad, and we are excited to see the impact she will have.”

Wassell was born in Aberdeen, the 67-time capped Scotland international being 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 Viole 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 the 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.”