Rachel Malcolm was overcome by a ‘surge or pride’ as she left the field for a final time as a Loughborough Lightning player.
The long-serving ‘Lightning original’ participated in the club’s first-ever game in 2017 and eight seasons later, her 76th and final outing for the African Violets ended in dramatic fashion at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
Malcolm was replaced with 15 minutes remaining against Trailfinders after it was confirmed in the days leading up to the game that she was leaving Lightning at the end of the 2024/25 season.
“I felt a surge of pride,” said the 33-year-old after the 36-34 win. “Loughborough University is very famous for sporting royalty, that is the reason I came here back in 2009.
“To be a part of Loughborough Lightning since the inception of it, and to see the programme grow and to see the players and the people within it grow, has just been an absolute honour to be a part of.
“I walk off with pride knowing I have had a small hand in that and I’ve had a small hand in some of these girls’ journeys as much as they have had in mine, I am just super proud to be a part of it.”
Rachel Malcolm
“It has been an absolute honour to have led this team. It is tough to step away from, but I know it is the right time, because we saw the likes of Kendall [Waudby] come on and tear it up. Then seeing Daisy [Hibbert-Jones] lead so well this season, that has been a highlight to lead alongside Daisy this season and I cannot wait to see how she does going forward.”
With Malcolm off the pitch, Trailfinders moved ahead with ten minutes remaining when Julia Schell struck over a penalty. But Lightning worked their way back into the game and set up a memorable finale as Helena Rowland struck a match-winning dropgoal with a minute remaining.
Rowland for the win 😎 pic.twitter.com/BtOV4N26b6
— Loughborough Lightning Rugby ⚡️ (@LightningRugby) February 23, 2025
“It wasn’t our best performance of the season, but we got the job done. It was a game that was definitely for the fans. It was a good one to watch I am sure but quite a tense one to be on the pitch for. I am proud to be a part of it, and I was proud to pull the shirt on one last time. It was a bit of a wild ride to finish what has been a wild ride.”
To read full Q&A session with Malcolm ahead of her final game, click HERE to read the special feature in the matchday programme.
