Loughborough Lightning are back at home at Loughborough University this weekend, with Director of Rugby Rhys Edwards making seven changes to his starting line-up as they welcome Exeter Chiefs.
The planned fixture between Lightning and Chiefs, originally scheduled to take place on Saturday 10 December at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, has been relocated to Loughborough University owing to a partially-frozen pitch. The game will instead be played on an all-weather pitch at the University on Saturday, kicking off at the new time of 11.30am. Entry to the re-arranged match in Loughborough is free-of-charge.
Saints’ women’s team came agonisingly close to their first Allianz Premier 15s win of the season last time out as they fell 15-14 at Sale Sharks.
But this weekend Lightning look to get off the mark against third-place Exeter back in Northampton, and welcome Scotland internationals Leah Bartlett and Emma Wassell and England’s Sadia Kabeya back into their starting line-up for the first time this season.
Hooker Bryony Field also makes a return from injury to start against Chiefs, while the rest of Edwards’ pack remains unchanged – with Rachel Malcolm once again captaining the side.
Carys Williams-Morris shifts to the left wing to allow Carmela Morrall a spot in Lightning’s centres on Saturday, with Georgie Lingham – who scored a brace at the Gardens two weeks ago – moving out to fullback as Lauren Bolger returns to Loughborough’s right wing.
Tickets for Loughborough Lightning’s remaining matches in Northampton against Wasps, Sale Sharks, and Bristol Bears are on sale now from just £7 adult / £3 junior* – with Northampton Saints Season Ticket Holders enjoying discounted ticket prices by logging into their account before purchasing.
LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING vs EXETER CHIEFS
Allianz Premier 15s, Round 4
Saturday 10 December 2022
Kick-off: 12.30pm
15 Georgie Lingham
14 Lauren Bolger
13 Emma Hardy
12 Carmela Morrall
11 Carys Williams-Morris
10 Helen Nelson
9 Jess Weaver
1 Leah Bartlett
2 Bryony Field
3 Christine Belisle
4 Emma Wassell
5 Morwenna Talling
6 Rachel Malcolm (c)
7 Sadia Kabeya
8 Daisy Hibbert-Jones
Replacements:
16 Kendall Waudby
17 Katie Trevarthen
18 Isla Curphey
19 Lilli Ives Campion
20 Georgia Bradley
21 Lucy Weaver
22 Molly Luthayi
23 Georgina Tasker
* All ticket prices are subject to a £1.50 booking fee.
