Scotland fly-half Helen Nelson leaves Loughborough to sign for Trailfinders Women

Helen Nelson has signed for Trailfinders Women, ending a seven-year spell at Loughborough Lightning where the Scotland fly-half made 80 appearances and scored 171 points for the East Midlands club.

The 32-year-old joins a Trailfinders side that reached the Premiership Women’s Rugby final this season before suffering a 52-14 defeat to Saracens at the Twickenham Stoop. Nelson will link up with Scotland internationals Rachel Malcolm, Francesca McGhie, Lisa Thomson and Emma Wassell at the West London club.

“I’m really excited to be joining Trailfinders,” Nelson said. “The team have gone from strength to strength, and making the final this year was a massive achievement for a relatively new programme. I love the way the team play — they want to move the ball and attack from everywhere, and they’re brave in the way they defend too. It’s a team with world class players and a coaching staff I’m excited to work with.”

Nelson brings considerable international pedigree to the move. In a decade-long Scotland career she has earned 80 caps and scored 259 international points, making her one of the most experienced fly-halves in the women’s game.

Trailfinders head coach Barney Maddison said the signing was straightforward once Nelson became available. “Helen is a fantastic rugby player and will bring a wealth of experience from both international and the PWR here to Trailfinders,” he said. “We have a strong Scottish connection here at Trailfinders so when Helen became available it was a no brainer. I’m really looking forward to seeing Helen add to this group.”

Trailfinders reached the final after defeating Gloucester Hartpury in the play-off round, and Nelson’s arrival at fly-half is expected to add further depth to a squad that has established itself as one of the leading forces in the women’s domestic game.