Trailfinders Women have signed New Zealand tighthead prop Tanya Kalounivale as injury cover until 31 March 2026.
Kalounivale, 26, arrives after featuring for the Black Ferns at the recent women’s Rugby World Cup, where she made five appearances as New Zealand finished with the bronze medal. The front-rower has won 27 international caps and is considered a key figure in the national pack.
She joins the Ealing club from Chiefs Manawa and will bolster Trailfinders’ options alongside fellow Black Fern Maia Roos. The move comes with Trailfinders managing long-term injuries to props Rori Wood and Flo Long.
Kalounivale said she was “really excited” to learn a different style of rugby and to experience a new culture, adding that the squad had been welcoming since her arrival.
Head coach Barney Maddison said Kalounivale had been “the cornerstone of the Black Ferns pack” in recent years and had already added value to the training environment, providing important front-row cover.
