Laura Keates returns for Loughborough Lightning to face Leicester Tigers

Loughborough Lightning welcome back England international Laura Keates in their side to face Leicester Tigers this weekend.

The 2014 Rugby World Cup winner has returned from Barbarians duty in South Africa to pack down at tighthead prop in the PWR Up Series encounter at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday (kick-off: 3pm).

Isla Curphey, who started at number three in the victory over Sale Sharks a fortnight ago, showcases her versatility with a switch to play loosehead prop, with Lucy Calladine retaining her place at hooker.

Daisy Hibbert-Jones captains the side once more in a back row that contains two-try star from the CorpAcq Stadium win, Kendall Waudby, while Lucy Finch is promoted from the replacements to start at blindside flanker and Issy Winter comes into the squad to partner Keevy Fitzpatrick in the second row.

Rotation at scrum-half sees Meg Davey start as vice captain, with Lia Green retaining her place at fly-half.

Freya Greensmith takes the place of Bo Westcombe-Evans after she was names as one of four players the Red Roses are taking to Canada for the defence of their WXV 1 title – alongside clubmmates Helena Rowland, Emily Scarratt and Lilli Ives Campion.

Another tryscorer in the Sale success, Evelyn Clarke, retains her spot on the right wing while Freya MacColl is rewarded for her sparkling display from the bench with a start at fullback in the East Midlands Derby.

Carmela Morrall keeps her place at inside centre and this week will be partnered by Ellen Scantlebury in midfield.

Katherine Baverstock, Amelia Williams and Tiwaah Adjei-Ansere are the front row replacements with Becky Boyd and Ellie Roberts the other forwards at Smith’s disposal.

Three new backs from last time out feature on the bench as Lucy Weaver, Molly Luthayi and Amelie Anstead all await their opportunity to impress at the Gardens.

“We were really pleased by the performance away at Sale a fortnight ago against a more experienced Sale side,” said Smith. “We expressed ourselves in attack and were physical in defence. But we cannot stand still and we’ve got to keep on improving.

“It’s going to be another exciting challenge for us as more players are being asked to step forward and fill the boots of players who have been called up to international duty.

“It’s a big opportunity for us to again show how hard we have worked all preseason and we’re really looking forward to getting back out there at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens in front of our home supporters.”

Match tickets for Lightning vs Tigers remain available from just £7.50 adult and £3* junior HERE.

LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING  vs LEICESTER TIGERS
Saturday 21 September, 2024
cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens
Kick-off: 3pm

15. Freya MacColl
14. Evelyn Clarke
13. Ellen Scantlebury
12. Carmela Morrall
11. Freya Greensmith
10. Lia Green
9. Megan Davey (vc)

1. Isla Curphey
2. Lucy Calladine
3. Laura Keates
4. Keevy Fitzpatrick
5. Issy Winter
6. Lucy Finch
7. Kendall Waudby
8. Daisy Hibbert-Jones (c)

Replacements:
16. Katherine Baverstock
17. Amelia Williams
18. Tiwaah Adjei-Ansere
19. Becky Boyd
20. Ellie Roberts
21. Lucy Weaver
22. Molly Luthayi
23. Amelie Anstead

TIGERS: 15 Amanda Swartz, 14 Charlotte Daley, 13 Evie Wills, 12 Katie Childs, 11 Elin Beaver, 10 Natasha Jones, 9 Amy Relf;  1 Zainab Alema, 2 Alana Bainbridge, 3 Jade Jones, 4 Leah Heath, 5 Charlotte Fray, 6 Jordan Russell, 7 Morgan Richardson, 8 Roisin McBrien (c)
Replacements: 16 Nikki Simpson, 17 Ellie Smith, 18 Nadine Vincent, 19 Eeva Pohjanheimo, 20 Tiana Gordon, 21 Jenny Maxwell, 22 Sarah Nicholas, 23 Emma Mundy

Referee: Kasey Allen
Assistant referees: James Cornell and Simon Park