EALING Trailfinders and Brunel University are to extend their rugby scholarship programme to include women.

The scheme was originally launched for men in 2018 but will now also offer scholarships for women too, as the Trailfinders attempt to build a world-class hub for female players.

The Trailfinders want to combine top-level rugby with academic studies for female students, by providing them with coaches, strength and conditioning staff, analysts and a medical team.

Students will have the opportunity to join the Trailfinders Academy and train with a professional team around their education, getting access to the club's two 4G pitches, two gyms and a brand-new medical area.

The scholarship includes:

• Cash bursary/financial assistance with university accommodation and tuition fees

• Weekly elite level coaching

• Bespoke strength & conditioning programme set by Trailfinders S&C coaches

• Medical support from Brunel's and Trailfinders' medical teams

• Sports psychology support

• Placement in university accommodation next to Brunel sports facilities with other sport scholars

• Free membership to Brunel's sports facilities including the Indoor Athletics Centre and strength & conditioning gym

• Free access to Brunel's Lancaster Hotel spa facilities on campus which include ice pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room

• Free Brunel sports scholarship and Trailfinders training kit

• Free season ticket access to Trailfinders' Greene King IPA Championship campaign

• Work experience and networking opportunities to support your degree

• Access to industry professionals and education to teach life skills associated with becoming a performance scholar

Ben Ward, Director of Rugby at Ealing Trailfinders, said: "We are pleased to announce that we've secured long term investment to run a programme for women alongside our successful men's programme.

"Our aspiration is to produce home grown Ealing Trailfinders players, both men and women, and give them the best opportunities to become great rugby players as well as prepare them for their careers after rugby."

Mark Burgess, Head of Sport at Brunel, said: "This is fantastic news, not only for Ealing but also for Brunel with the benefits this will bring to our women's rugby programme.

"With plans to improve our rugby pitch and gym capacity, rugby at Brunel continues to grow at pace and 2021 will be yet another exciting year for our partnership."