The RFU have confirmed that Loughborough Lightning have been sanctioned with a suspended five-point deduction in Premiership Women‘s Rugby.
The deduction is suspended until the end of the 2025/26 season, meaning Loughborough’s current league points tally remains unchanged unless any further breaches are made by the club.
The charge relates to a breach of Reg 10.4 of the Premiership Women’s Rugby League and Cup Regulations, by selecting a player in the match between Trailfinders RFC and Loughborough Lightning on 13 October 2024, when her baseline ImPACT testing was incomplete.
The relevant regulation reads: ‘All Players must have completed their World Rugby SCRM baselines and baseline ImPACT testing in accordance with the applicable medical minimum standards criteria before participating in any Match in the Competition.’
The panel concluded: “The club admitted the breach and we accept was highly remorseful. We conclude a points deduction is necessary to reflect the seriousness of breaching a Regulation intended to promote player safety.
“Having regard to the club's admission of the offence, the club’s genuine remorse, and the club’s very quick introduction of new procedures to mitigate a further breach, we are satisfied that the penalty should be suspended. The suspension is a sufficient deterrent to this club committing future breaches and punishment for the breach.”
