Trailfinders will face Saracens in the Premiership Women's Rugby final at the Stoop on Sunday, aiming to complete a historic upset against the self-proclaimed 'big bad wolves'. Saracens have never lost to Trailfinders in PWR and are chasing their fourth title since 2017, but the underdogs are undaunted after knocking out three-time defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury in the semi-final.
Trailfinders' fearless mindset
Trailfinders back-row Abi Burton, a World Cup winner with England, said: 'We aren't scared. 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.' Burton admitted training in the heatwave had been 'rough' but emphasised confidence from recent victories, including a regular-season win that ended Gloucester's winning streak dating back to November 2024.
Trailfinders are the first fourth-placed team to reach the final, and no team finishing fourth has ever won the title. However, Burton insisted: 'There is no fear. Full handbrake off and we are just going to go for it.'
Saracens' 'dog mentality'
Saracens centre Sophie Bridger explained the team's 'dog mentality': '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.' Saracens have won three of the last five titles and are favourites, but Trailfinders' recent form suggests they can compete.
Farewell to key players
Both clubs will bid farewell to influential players after the final. Trailfinders captain Kate Zackary departs, while Saracens lose Rosie Galligan and Marlie Packer to Harlequins. Packer, who has spent nine years at Saracens, was praised by head coach Alex Austerberry as '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.'
Historic final at the Stoop
The final returns to the Stoop for the first time in a decade. Ten years ago, the first televised women's club rugby game in the UK was played there. This year's referee is Holly Wood, who officiates just 86 days after giving birth to her daughter Adaline. Wood returned to refereeing in May, only seven weeks postpartum. PWR chair Genevieve Shore said: 'She came off of the pitch in [her first game back] and immediately went to feed her newborn child. She is such an inspiration.'
