Lightning Rugby take on table toppers Saracens as the TP15s returns after International break

MJ

Following a seven-week break during the 2019 Six Nations Championship, Lightning look to strike the top of the table, as they host Saracens Women, in a triple header day of action at Loughborough this Saturday.

Saracens currently dominate the top spot, after only falling to defeat once this season against Harlequins Ladies in round six. Since this early defeat, the London based side, famous for their physicality, have been formidable in both attack and defence securing 13 Try bonus points across the season so far. Lightning know they will have to take control of the game from the outset both physically and tactically if they are to get the win.

The conclusion on the 2019 Six Nations Championship last week sees ten international players return to the Lightning squad, including England Women’s captain Sarah Hunter, England’s leading point scorer Katy Daley-Mclean and Scotland lock Sarah Bonar.

Of the players returning from Six Nations, Head Coach Rhys Edwards said:

“Looking ahead to this weekend, it’s great to be back after the Six Nations break. Being able to see our players performing for their countries was fantastic and watching England win the Grand Slam in such a ruthless fashion was amazing. Sarah, Emily, and Katy were all pivotal to England’s success, but for me seeing Cath O’Donnell raise her game and be a stand out player this tournament is testament to not only her, but our programme and the support and development that we can offer this level of player.”

Commenting on the game ahead he said:

“Back to this week, its great to have our international players back in the squad preparing for TP15s, they help others in the squad thrive and that is what you want in leaders. Going in tomorrow against Saracens is going to be a tough game, especially after the break, but there is no better challenge with play-offs coming up and it’s a perfect opportunity to see where we are and to test ourselves against the best. No doubt it will be a testing game, but the girls can’t wait to get back on the field, pull the purple jersey back on and play.”

Both Lightning Development and Loughborough Students RFC kick-off the triple header at 2pm against Saracens Women development and Blackheath FC respectively. Lightning Rugby close the day at 5pm.

For further info head to: http://loughboroughsport.com/womens-super-rugby/

Live tweets of the game follow @LightningRugby 

Lightning line-up

1) Leah Bartlett
2) Bryony Field
3) Daleaka Menin
4) Georgia Bradley
5) Sarah Bonar
6) Jo Brown
7) Amelia Harper
8) Sarah Hunter
9) Megan Davey
10) Katy Daley-Mclean
11) Isla Alejandro
12) Natasha Jones
13) Carys Williams
14) Olivia Jones
15) Emily Scarratt

16) Emily Tuttosi
17) Mags Lowish
 18) Anya Richmond
19) Rachel Malcolm
20) Becky Noon
21) Ella Wyrwas
22) Ellen Ramsbottom