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Experiencing daily life under their control, Élisa Riffonneau's environment was profaned, during her captivity

Experienced French rugby player Elisa Riffonneau shares her year-long journey in England and offers insights on England's dominance in women's rugby, ahead of their World Cup semi-final against the Red Roses on Saturday.

Enduring their presence daily, it dishonored her life: when Élisa Riffonneau was captive
Enduring their presence daily, it dishonored her life: when Élisa Riffonneau was captive

Experiencing daily life under their control, Élisa Riffonneau's environment was profaned, during her captivity

The Ealing Trailfinders club, based in London, has been a hub of rugby activity, attracting top players from across the globe. During the 2023-2024 academic year, the club saw the addition of Elisa Riffonneau, a French player who spent a year at a university in London.

Riffonneau found herself in good company, living in a shared house with club players from various nationalities. She shared her living space with Meg Jones and Abi Burton, English players, and Carys Cox, a Welsh winger. From South Africa, Lindelwa Gwala, a player who represented her country in the World Cup, was also a member of the club.

Training with the club was no easy feat. Every week, the players challenged themselves to be in the 23 for weekend games. With 45 players training during Riffonneau's stay, competition was fierce. The club's young players, who only train and gain confidence and experience, were a force to be reckoned with, regularly beating teams in the U20s.

The Ealing Trailfinders club is a part of the Premiership, a private, closed league where clubs pay to enter and sponsors follow. One match was televised each weekend for the club, and next season, all matches will be on the BBC.

Media attention for women's rugby has been increasing, and actions from players like Ellie Kildunne are becoming more visible. Riffonneau got along well with Abby Dow, another English player in the club, and they both contributed to the team's success.

The club's communication team works tirelessly, collecting and enriching images for networks to ensure the club's achievements are widely recognised. The club's multinational nature is a testament to its appeal, with players hailing from Spain, Italy, South Africa, Wales, England, and even the USA with Will Porter and Samoa with Theo McFarland joining during the 2023/2024 academic year.

The Ealing Trailfinders club's success can be attributed to its ability to attract top players from the UK, Ireland, and Wales, where championships are less developed compared to the Premiership. The club continues to push the boundaries of women's rugby, setting a high standard for other clubs to follow.

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