Trailfinders Women
Maddison and Trailfinders' long history reaches biggest stage
Barney Maddison knows Trailfinders Rugby inside and out.
He had two stints with Ealing Trailfinders as a player, and even captained the club to the 2023/24 Champ Rugby title, before joining Trailfinders Women as forwards coach.
The 37-year-old has since been promoted to head coach of Trailfinders Women, and the club have gone from strength to strength under his leadership.
Having snuck into the semi-finals for the first time following a run of four wins from six to end the season, Trailfinders went one better by beating reigning champions Gloucester Hartpury to qualify for their first ever PWR Final.
The west Londoners have developed their high-octane attacking style into a game plan worthy of a final berth by adding security without the ball.
Now, all that stands between Maddison’s side and a maiden PWR title are London rivals Saracens, making the Final on Sunday a tantalising prospect.
“We’re really excited,” Maddison said. “The girls have worked exceptionally hard all season, so we're all looking forward to it.
“The occasion is massive. I've been involved with the club, on and off, for the last ten years of my career.
“Even while I was playing, I was coaching as well, so when Giselle [Mather] gave me the opportunity three years ago, it was one I was really grateful for. I've loved every minute of it.
“To play at a venue like The Stoop is fantastic. It's a historic ground and a brilliant stage for a final. It's also not too far from Ealing, which makes it easier for our supporters to get there.”
Trailfinders produced an epic performance in their semi-final against the champions to win 29-26.
It was a truly end-to-end contest that had the whole crowd at Queensholm on the edge of their seats.
Even Maddison, usually a cool, calm and collected character, could not contain his nerves as his side upset the odds away from Trailfinders Sports Club.
“I had my watch on, and I don't think my heart rate dropped below 100 for about two-and-a-half hours,” he admitted.
“Our first-half performance was really strong, and there were lots of positives. We came into half-time knowing the second half was going to be tough, and Gloucester certainly came flying out of the blocks and put us under a lot of pressure.
“What pleased me most was how we managed that momentum shift. We had two yellow cards during the game, and in previous seasons we might have lost a match in those circumstances.
“Instead, we showed how much we've learned and developed throughout the year. To close out the game in the final few minutes was brilliant to see.”
Maddison led a sizable overhaul of the Trailfinders squad during last summer’s off-season.
A 19-strong haul of new recruits contained multiple Black Ferns, including Alana Borland and Georgie Ponsonby, plus Canadian internationals like Claire Gallagher, and other top-line talent to help their efforts this campaign.
With such a large intake, there were some predictable early-season miscues. However, the Trailfinders leadership have righted their ship, and now the west Londoners look like a force to be reckoned with.
Maddison said: “There was quite a bit of change at the start of the season, and naturally it takes time for a group to come together. You never really get a full pre-season with the entire squad, which makes things challenging.
“Over the course of the season, we've gradually built momentum, improved our understanding of one another, and continued to grow as a group. That process has put us in a really good position heading into the final.
“I'm a big believer in team bonding and building strong relationships. If you can create really good connections between players and between coaches and players, then you create a strong culture.
“The closer-knit you are off the pitch, the more connected you'll be on it. I think that's been a huge factor in helping this group come together.”
Partners
Close
Get the App
Our new mobile app is now available for iOS and Android and ensures you never miss a moment.
