Two London rivals go head-to-head for glory as Premiership Women’s Rugby final takes place at Twickenham Stoop on Sunday.
The conclusion to this dramatic season sees Saracens Women take on Trailfinders Women in a London derby.
Trailfinders have reached their first final in only their third year in the top flight, which surprised many.
Trailfinders and USA Women’s Eagles captain, Kate Zackary, said: “I’m feeling so many different emotions. The whole thing is surreal and amazing.
“It’s a big occasion, but don’t let the occasion define it.”
The American, who has spent six seasons in England and was previously at Exeter Chiefs, is aiming to lead the west London side to glory.
The side which features many big personalities from all over the world are becoming loved by Ealing’s rugby fans.
Zackary said: “Ealing, as a club, has had the men’s team been successful for the last few years.
“But since we came together three years ago, you’ve had folks in Ealing who are used to the men’s team getting behind the women.
“It’s hard not to fall in love with the characters we have.”
After two days of karaoke celebrating their nail biting semi-final victory against the previous champions Gloucester Hartpury, Trailfinders have their sights creating their own dynasty.
“Not only is this our destiny but this is our opportunity.
“We’re the ones writing it, and we are the only ones who can write it, no one else can.”
The script for this season in the PWR has seen surprising upsets, with teams such as Sale Sharks Women who had previously stuck near the bottom of the table, chasing top four.
Trailfinders finished seventh in the table last season, while Saracens came second.
Sarries are seeking redemption after losing last year’s final to Gloucester Hartpury, who were crowned back-to-back-to-back champions.
World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, Sophie de Goede, hopes the north London team can take it one step further this year.
She said, “We have an opportunity to redeem last year’s final.”
De Goede has had a rather quiet season having only returned from injury three weeks ago, but is sure to return to her world class form as she collects more minutes under her belt.
She said: “My mind has been up and down, there was so much pressure off the back of the Rugby World Cup loss and then getting injured again.
“There were definitely some dark times during the dark UK winters.”
The last few seasons the Wolf Pack haven’t quite returned to their dominant status they established when women’s rugby first formed it’s professional league.
De Goede said: “When you’re a good team you find ways to win.
“There is so much confidence within our group and so much experience.”
Both sides have different types of player experience amongst their squad depth.
Saracens are home to the PWR player of the season Liv Apps, whose presence erupted across the league, as well as Red Roses fly-half Zoe Harrison who has been undroppable all year showing her pinpoint accuracy from the kicking tee.
Trailfinders welcomed a strong cohort of former Great Britain Sevens players when the programme began to dismantle and athletes were made redundant.
Now they are reaping their rewards through the likes of Isla Norman-Bell establishing herself firmly in the scrum-half shirt.
Other former GB7s players who set up base in west London include Red Roses captain Meg Jones, Celia Quansah, Ellie Boatman, Lisa Thomson, Emma Uren and Vicky Laflin.
They have injected pace, power, accuracy and a relentless energy into the side, rebranded the club’s style of play and stamped their presence in the league.
One cross-code player who has stood out this season is Abi Burton.
The back row was named in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations Team of The Championship after playing the majority of the campaign out of position in second row.
Burton said: “I think my destiny was to end up in the 15s game.
“Sevens made me into the player I am today and gave me some great experiences.”
The players have bonded for years, touring all over the world in the HSBC SVNS Series, playing in multiple Olympic Games and are now on a quest to win a domestic title.
Burton added: “The belief is there and everyone is excited.
“It’s seen in the style of rugby that we play.
“Emma [Uren] and Meg [Jones] in the centres, nothing gets past them because they’re used to defending acres of space.”
Feature image: Premiership Women’s Rugby
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