The shockwaves are still rippling through the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) landscape as Ealing Trailfinders continue to defy expectations, sending three-time champions Gloucester-Hartpury crashing out of the competition with a breathtaking 29-26 semi-final victory. This stunning upset has thrown open the doors for Trailfinders to face Saracens in the final on June 28 – and what a tantalising prospect that is, given their unbeaten record against the reigning champions.
Saracens, meanwhile, have breathed a collective sigh of relief as they sidestep their nemesis Gloucester-Hartpury, who had been their only two league defeats this season and also claimed victory in last year's final. But it was no cakewalk for Saracens either, as they emerged from a heart-stopping semi-final against Exeter with a 40-38 win – trailing until the 75th minute, when the dam finally burst.
Star-studded Saracens – led by the Player of the Season, Olivia Apps, who notched two crucial tries – owe a debt of gratitude to their half-back duo Zoe Harrison and her trusty goal-kicking skills. Harrison's accuracy from the tee was a vital factor in this nail-biting encounter, nailing an incredible 5 out of 6 attempts.
Exeter's valiant effort, which saw USA international Hope Rogers dot down twice in the first half, ultimately came up just short as they sought to book their place in the final for the first time since 2020. The drama and unpredictability that has defined this season's playoffs have left fans on the edge of their seats – and there's more to come, with Trailfinders now standing between Saracens and their fourth PWR title.
Exeter's heartbroken Hope Rogers summed up her team's emotions: "Disappointment is the biggest word. It was in our hands to win and to lose it at the end, just overwhelming feelings of disappointment." Meanwhile, Olivia Apps acknowledged the might of Trailfinders, predicting a thrilling showdown: "I think Trailfinders are a really strong side and we haven’t necessarily played against the strongest Trailfinders team. It is going to be a really great match-up."
The stage is set for a blockbuster final that will showcase the increasing strength and competitiveness of PWR – can Trailfinders conjure up another heroic performance, or will Saracens reassert their authority? One thing's for sure: it promises to be an unforgettable encounter.