Trailfinders Women have signed Scottish international Emma Wassell, ahead of the 2025/26 Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) season.
Wassell, who boasts 67 caps for Scotland, has been a cornerstone of the national team since debuting in the 2014 Six Nations. Since then she made 54 consecutive internationals, a run halted only in April 2022 due to a wrist injury. She played a key role in Scotland’s return to the Rugby World Cup in 2021, their first appearance since 2010.
The 29-year-old second row previously represented Loughborough Lightning in the PWR, where she made 28 appearances before departing earlier this year.
In September 2024, Wassell’s career was put on hold after she was diagnosed with a tumour in her chest. A sternotomy followed, and she missed the 2024/25 season to focus on recovery. However, she returned to the national training squad in May 2025 for the World Cup.
She said of playing rugby in Ealing: “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.”
Wassell added: “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.”
Trailfinders head coach Barney Maddison described Wassell as a “world-class operator in the second row”. He added: “Her experience, consistency and leadership will be a huge asset to the squad, and we’re thrilled to have her on board.”
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