Harlequins Women have confirmed the coaching team for the University of Surrey’s BUCS Teams for the 2025-26 season.
Women’s Pathway Manager, Pat Metcalfe-Jones, will be joined by Ali Chisholm (Pathway Coach), Lagi Tuima (Defence Coach) and Shaunagh Brown (Breakdown Coach). Both the University of Surrey First Team and Second Team will be playing in BUCS Premier South this season, with a clear target in place of securing promotion to Women’s BUCS Super Rugby this season.
The appointment of the coaching team for the University of Surrey is another important step in the development of the new partnership between Harlequins Women and the University.
Metcalfe-Jones will oversee the Forwards and Defence at the University, with Chisholm responsible for the Attack and Backs. Tuima will be responsible for the Defence, whilst Brown returns to the Harlequins environment as a Breakdown Specialist Coach for the University.
Metcalfe-Jones believes that there is a great balance to the group, as the University of Surrey squad continue their preparations for the start of the BUCS Premier South season in the coming weeks.
“We’ve really expanded the coaching team at the university this year. Ali Chisholm joining us as a Pathway Coach, which is a new full-time role, that we haven’t had before and will be crucial in the continued development of our Pathway players,” said Metcalfe-Jones.
“It is also great to have Lagi and Shaunagh joining the coaching team. Shaunagh brings a wealth of experience from across the game and will be able to add her valuable knowledge and experience to the group. Lagi will also be able to provide real mentorship for our players who will be balancing their studies, alongside their rugby journeys.
“We are aspiring to become one of the top pathways in the country. We feel that we have incredibly strong foundations to take us there and we’re making sure we use what is unique to Harlequins and the University of Surrey to help us on that journey.”
Head of Women’s Rugby, Andy Rhys Jones added: “Pat has done a fantastic job developing the Harlequins Women’s Pathway to this point and, with the announcement of the enhanced coaching team for the University of Surrey for the upcoming season, we feel that we are in a hugely exciting place for the continued growth of the programme.”
With thanks to Harlequins
