Trailfinders will face three-time champions Saracens in the Premiership Women's Rugby final at the Stoop on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
The match kicks off at 15:00 BST and will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
This is Trailfinders' first final appearance since joining the league in 2023. They secured their spot by defeating defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury in a historic semi-final victory.
Underdog Spirit
Trailfinders captain Meg Jones admitted she did not expect to reach the final after a challenging start to the season.
The squad integrated multiple international players, including Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm and Canada international Clare Gallagher.
“Probably not at the start of the season, but I don't actually think that far ahead,” Jones said.
“We always set for the top four, and when we'd beaten Gloucester a couple of weeks before the play-offs, we thought 'Wow, we're really clicking here.'”
Jones emphasized that building rapport took time.
“You get all these big characters coming in, myself included, and you don't want to stamp too much of your mark on it.
But that takes time, building that rapport.”
She added that the team simplified their approach.
“We just needed simplicity, and we probably got that wrong at the front end of the season, whereas now we have all these amazing rugby players, everyone knows what we're trying to do.”
Saracens' Experience
Saracens reached their sixth final since 2017 after a narrow 40-38 semi-final win over Exeter. They have beaten Trailfinders twice this season, including a 57-5 victory in November.
Jones described Saracens as a “wrecking ball” with a highly physical style.
“They've got quick ball, amazing calibre of players – Liv Apps winning the PWR player of the season, Zoe Harrison is in her prime, Marlie Packer and so on.”
Saracens flanker Marlie Packer will play her final match for the club before moving to Harlequins next season.
“Winning would be a fairytale ending,” she said.
“Having my final game for Sarries at the Stoop and hopefully my opening game for Quins here as a PWR champion.”
Packer dismissed the relevance of previous results. “I don't think you can read anything into it all.
It was very early in the season.”
Trailfinders back-row Abi Burton expressed confidence. “We aren't scared.
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.”
She noted improved game management.
“At the start of the season we were in some tight games that we weren't able to finish.
Now we understand how to finish out those tough games.”
Saracens center Sophie Bridger highlighted the team's defensive mindset.
“Having a bit about you, putting an extra 5% into your shot, being the person going into the breakdown, being first everywhere.”
Saracens head coach Alex Austerberry praised Packer as an “icon and legendary” figure. “Her performances are full of passion, heart and quality.”
The match will be refereed by Holly Wood, returning after the birth of her daughter. Premiership Women's Rugby chair Genevieve Shore called her “such an inspiration.”
