Trailfinders chase underdog victory in PWR final against Saracens
The PWR final between Saracens and Trailfinders kicks off at The Stoop on Sunday, 28 June, at 15:00 BST. Trailfinders, in their first final after joining the league in 2023, are targeting an underdog victory against three-time champions Saracens, who are chasing a record fourth Premiership Women's Rugby title.
Key Takeaways
- Trailfinders reached their first PWR final by beating Gloucester-Hartpury 29-26 in the semi-finals on 14 June after finishing fourth in the regular season.
- Saracens are chasing a record fourth title and beat Trailfinders twice this season, including a 57-5 away win in November.
- Marlie Packer plays her final Saracens match after nine years before joining Harlequins, calling a title win a fairytale ending.
- Eleven Canadian internationals feature across both squads, led by PWR Player of the Year Olivia Apps.
- Abi Burton says Trailfinders have no fear despite earlier defeats and back themselves to complete another upset.
Why does the PWR final matter for women's club rugby?
The showpiece caps a season in which attendances for Premiership Women's Rugby continue to rise since the league launched in 2023. England captain Meg Jones told BBC Sport that winning would be an underdog story with huge meaning for a club that had never finished higher than sixth before this campaign.
Saracens co-captain Marlie Packer, ending nine years with the club, called a title "a fairytale ending" before her move to Harlequins. She also framed Sunday as the start of a new London rivalry, with both sides competing to be "the boss of the capital."
Can Trailfinders upset Saracens despite the head-to-head record?
Saracens won both league meetings against Trailfinders this season, including a 57-5 thrashing away from home in November. Packer told the BBC she would not read too much into those results, noting it was early in the season, but Saracens still enter as established champions.
Yet Jones insists her side is "very different now" after gelling through the season. England back row Abi Burton told The Rugby Paper: "We are not scared. Obviously we've played them twice and the score lines haven't gone our way." She added that the squad truly believes it can win.
Trailfinders' semi-final run ended Gloucester-Hartpury's bid for a fourth straight title. That 29-26 win at Kingsholm proved they can finish tight knockout games after a season in which Jones said the group found simplicity and a shared plan.
Who are the key players to watch in the PWR final?
Saracens bring a star-studded lineup. Olivia Apps was named PWR Player of the Year and captained Canada's silver medal-winning team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, according to Rugby Canada. Jones also highlighted Zoe Harrison and Marlie Packer as world-class threats.
Trailfinders lean on Jones at centre, plus recruits including Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm and Canadian international Claire Gallagher. Saracens finished second in the regular season with a 14-2 record and edged Exeter 40-38 in a demanding semi-final.
In total, 11 Canadians will feature, with six in Saracens' matchday squad and five in Trailfinders' lineup. Kevin Rouet serves as a Saracens assistant coach alongside head coach Alex Austerberry, who also assists Canada's women's national team.
How can fans watch the PWR final?
Coverage is available on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app, BBC Radio London and BBC Sounds from the 15:00 BST kick-off at The Stoop. Canadian viewers can watch on YouTube at 7:00 a.m. PT / 10:00 a.m. ET, Rugby Canada confirmed.
Packer said Saracens' narrow semi-final win sharpened their focus rather than breeding complacency. Trailfinders arrive with momentum from upsetting the reigning champions. For context on how elite athletes sustain output across long campaigns, see our Longevity & Biohacking coverage.