Trailfinders, the dark horses of the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR), will face the dominant Saracens in the final at the Stoop on Sunday. After knocking out three-time defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury in the semi-final, Trailfinders are brimming with confidence, but Saracens have never lost to them in the league.
Underdog Spirit
Trailfinders back-row Abi Burton, a World Cup winner with England, dismissed any fear of the Saracens 'wolfpack'. 'We aren't scared,' Burton said. 'We have played them twice this season, the scoreline has not gone our way but there is not one ounce of fear in this room. The team that is going to play on Sunday, we truly believe that we can win.'
Trailfinders secured their first playoff spot by beating Gloucester-Hartpury in the penultimate regular season game, ending a winning streak that stretched back to November 2024. They then repeated the feat in the semi-final, winning away. No team finishing fourth in the PWR table has ever won the title, but Burton is undeterred.
Saracens' Dog Mentality
Saracens, who have won three titles since 2017, rely on a 'dog mentality', according to centre Sophie Bridger. 'It's showing up on and off the pitch but on the big days. Having a bit about you, putting an extra 5% into your shot, being the person going into the breakdown, being first everywhere,' Bridger explained.
Saracens head coach Alex Austerberry praised departing captain Marlie Packer, who leaves after nine years. 'Icon and legendary. Those terms can be used in sport for people who have done mediocre things but I don't think you can use the word mediocre around anything Marlie has done in a Saracens shirt,' Austerberry said.
Farewells and Milestones
Both clubs will bid farewell to key players. Trailfinders' club captain Kate Zackary departs, while Saracens' Rosie Galligan and Marlie Packer join Harlequins. The final at the Stoop marks the first time in a decade the venue hosts the women's final, and the first women's club rugby game televised in the UK was played there 10 years ago.
Referee Holly Wood, who played in that 2015 match, will officiate the final just 86 days after giving birth. PWR chair Genevieve Shore praised Wood: 'She came off of the pitch in her first game back and immediately went to feed her newborn child. She is such an inspiration.'
