women
Premiership-womens-rugby
It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for Jade Betsen. In the summer, Betsen made the leap from Championship Richmond to JAECOO Premiership Women’s Rugby PWR outfit Trailfinders Women, and after four matches in green and white, she already has her first senior cup final to look forward to.
Betsen started all four matches in the Trailfinders’ run to the JAECOO PWR Next Gen Cup final, including their 33-14 win at home. Sale Sharks in the semi-finals, they qualified for the final, where they will meet with Saracens.
It’s been a rapid rise for the 23-year-old who started the sport late but made huge strides while studying at Loughborough University and continued her development with Richmond before the Trailfinders came along.
“We had a slow start, but we picked it up in the second half,” Betsen said RugbyPass after their semi-final win.
“We took more responsibility in the second half and we knew what we had to do, and we did it. We focused on each game individually and didn’t talk about the final.”
When it comes to her development, Betsen has many people at Trailfinders she can turn to for advice.
There Scotland captain and flanker Rachel Malcolm, England back rowers Abi Burton and Haidee Head, and New Zealander Alana Borland among others. Meanwhile, head coach Barney Maddison knows life in the pack after a playing career that included Ealing Trailfinders, London Irish and Rotherham Titans.
“It was so good, everyone was so welcoming and really friendly,” Betsen said. “They are approachable and made to feel welcome and included. The older players are helpful with advice and easy to talk to.”
“It built my confidence and kept me from feeling like a cheater. I feel like I auditioned for a spot on the team. I’m really aware of who’s coming back (from the WXV Global Series) and I want to learn from them.”
Of course, French-born Betsen doesn’t have to go far for a source of tips on backline play. Her father Serge Betsen is a former France bok, known for hunting many heavy flies.
Late in his career, he moved from Biarritz to London to play for Wasps and has remained in the area ever since. It took Betsen a while to enjoy rugby, with the noise and time spent on the sidelines, which she initially disliked.
However, once she had a taste, Betsen never looked back and Betsen Sr. is now a regular figure on the sidelines wherever his daughter is in action.
“At first he waited until I asked him (for advice),” Betsen said. “It’s mostly about work rate. He always tells me to give 200%, to play my best and understand what my task is, not just run around.”
The departure of Kate Zackary at the end of last season left space on the open side.
Although Betsen has made huge strides since moving from the south of the Thames to the north, the season ahead is expected to continue its development.
“Jade is awesome, she came in and was a duck to water,” Trailfinders assistant coach Stephen Shingler said RugbyPass. “Her physical strength runs in the family, she’s seriously explosive and she’s done great.
“A year from now, you want to see her competing for a starting spot. Now for Jade, it’s about learning and knowing what professionalism looks like. She’s signed a contract, which is great, and she’s learning from them (senior players) and then pushing for that starting spot.”
“You never know. In rugby you have one or two injuries and she’s in the mix.”
The Trailfinders’ appearance in the Next Gen Cup Finals will give them a chance to continue their momentum from last season’s PWR Finals appearance. Saracens will stand in their way again, and will likely start as favourites, especially with fresh memories of their 52-14 defeat.
However, Betsen was not at the club at the time of the final, meaning her focus is entirely on the match and continuing her rapid rise.
“I learned so much,” Betsen said. “It’s a huge improvement since Championship rugby, but I know that through hard work I’ve been able to make an impact and be able to play at this level.
“It’s going to be amazing (to be in the final) and even if I don’t make the team I’ll support whoever does because everyone has worked so hard.”
