Scotland rugby captain Rachel Malcolm has signed with Trailfinders Women.
Malcolm brings extensive international experience, having earned 56 caps for Scotland since debuting in a 2016 World Cup qualifier. She has captained her country since 2020 and is widely respected as one of Scotland’s most influential leaders on the pitch.
Born in Glasgow, Malcolm initially excelled in field hockey, representing Scotland at U17, U18, and U21 levels before transitioning to rugby in her mid-twenties. Her meteoric rise through the ranks led to a starting role in the 2017 Six Nations, from which point she became a regular feature in the national setup.
At club level, Malcolm spent seven seasons with Loughborough Lightning, where she made 67 appearances. Her final game for the club came in February—ironically against her new side—at Franklin’s Gardens. She recently combined her playing responsibilities with a player-coach role, working closely with head coach Nathan Smith to mentor emerging talent.
Speaking about the move to Ealing, Malcolm said: “I’m super excited for a new experience down in London. This move had to be right for me as a person as well as a rugby player. I wanted to go somewhere where I can challenge myself and strive to be the best player I can be.”
Head coach Barney Maddison added: “Rachel brings immense leadership, experience, and a tireless work ethic. She is a fantastic addition to our squad, and we are excited to see the impact she will have.”
