Loughborough Lightning Women
Loughborough Lightning Women are a women's rugby club who play in the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) (Tier 1). Their home ground is Loughborough University Stadium.
Last updated May 2026
Key facts
| League | Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) |
|---|---|
| Tier | Tier 1 |
| Head coach | Nathan Smith |
| Home ground | Loughborough University Stadium |
| Nearest station | Loughborough |
| Local derby | Leicester Tigers Women (East Midlands derby) |
| Marquee fixture | East Midlands derby vs Leicester Tigers |
| Matchday pub | Clubhouse bar - university campus bars on matchday |
| Official website | https://www.lightningrugby.co.uk/ |
Club history
The Loughborough Students women's rugby programme dates to the late 1970s with the university becoming a founder member of the Women's Rugby Football Union in 1983.
Loughborough Lightning were awarded a franchise in the inaugural Premier 15s season in 2017.
They are the only student-affiliated team to be granted a place in the top flight of English women's rugby.
England fly-half Helena Rowland signed a professional contract with Loughborough Lightning in September 2020 after returning from the England Sevens programme.
Nathan Smith was appointed head coach in April 2024 with Rhys Edwards serving as Director of Rugby across the university programme.
Recent seasons
Loughborough Lightning appointed Nathan Smith as new Head Coach on 29 April 2024 with Smith arriving from a Forwards Coach role at Doncaster Knights.
Helena Rowland signed a new contract with Loughborough Lightning and was retained as part of Nathan Smith's squad.
Lightning finished fifth in the 2024-25 PWR regular season table.
Long-serving Lightning and England legend Emily Scarratt confirmed her retirement from rugby.
Notable players
Club legends
- Emily Scarratt
- Sarah Hunter
- Rocky Clark
- Bryony Cleall
Current squad
- Helena Rowland
- Sadia Kabeya
- Lilli Ives Campion
- Helen Nelson
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Frequently asked questions
Where do Loughborough Lightning Women play?
Loughborough Lightning Women play at Loughborough University Stadium. The nearest station is Loughborough.
What league do Loughborough Lightning Women play in?
Loughborough Lightning Women compete in the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR), tier 1 of English rugby's league structure.
Who are Loughborough Lightning Women's local rivals?
Loughborough Lightning Women's local derby is against Leicester Tigers Women.
Who is the Loughborough Lightning Women head coach?
Loughborough Lightning Women are coached by Nathan Smith.
Other Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) clubs
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