Smith proud as young Lightning side take fight to Bristol

Head coach Nathan Smith pointed to Loughborough Lightning’s last early-season meeting with Bristol Bears to highlight the progress his young side has made in just over a year.

A starting XV with an average age of just 21 was narrowly edged out at Shaftesbury Park on Saturday as the Bears claimed a 36-29 PWR: The Cup Round 4 victory. 

Back in October 2024, another Lightning matchday squad shorn of a clutch of internationals was hit hard by Bristol in an opening round Premiership Women’s Rugby encounter, as the visitors to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens raced to a try-scoring bonus point within a dozen minutes. 

“That match against Bristol last season was a tough one for everyone involved, but we are better for the experience and are developing players who can compete for places in a PWR squad,” said Smith. “The result on Saturday so easily could’ve gone either way this time around and I am proud of the girls for going toe-to-toe and putting their best foot forward.

Hooker Lucy Calladine made her Lightning debut in that previous 19-46 loss to Bristol and was one of ten survivors from that starting line-up who took on Bristol this time around, this time as vice-captain. Another England Under-20s international who featured in both contests, Carmela Morrall, this time around captained Loughborough – who were without 15 internationals away at the Rugby World Cup, with another group of capped players also unavailable for selection. 

Calladine, Amelia Williams, Kendall Waudby and Grace Clifford were Lightning’s try scorers on Saturday afternoon with Lia Green kicking nine points in a contest that swung both ways but was ultimately settled by a two-try second-half burst from Bristol’s fleet-footed GB7s star, Reneeqa Bonner.

While disappointed not to get over the line and sign off the Cup campaign with a victory, Smith was pleased with the progress made following last weekend’s 14-59 home reverse to Saracens.

“I am really happy with the performance and the behaviours we showed,” said Smith. “We were sloppy against Saracens. Our effort and intent wasn’t where it needed to be but it was against Bristol and we have put a display in that we should be very proud of.

“Against Saracens, when they got on top of us, we capitulated, for the want of a better expression. However, against Bristol, if they scored or a decision went the other way that was might not have agreed with, we got on with it, we bounced back and we made sure won the next moment.”

Lightning took their list of debutants during the Cup block to nine as Churchy Knight and Keeva Corry arrived onto the field as replacements, following on from the first appearance achievements of Haineala Lutui, Polly Peterson, Tamsin Baynes, Lottie Buffery-Latham, Ashton Adcock, Ella Barnes and Lucia Scott.

“I am delighted for those girls to get their first Lightning appearances,” explained Smith. “Especially in the cases of Haineala and Tamsin, who featured in every game and made a big impact.

“It is a strange period for us now because it is five weeks until we play in the Premiership Women’s Rugby,” added Smith, whose side kick off their 2025/26 PWR campaign away at Harlequins on Friday 24 October. “Some of the girls who will play in PWR are away now on international duty, however the Cup is there for development and we’re looking to build a deep squad and I think we have certainly did that in a couple of key positions.”

Loughborough Lightning’s Rugby World Cup stars will be back on club duty by the time they start their 2025/26 Premiership Women’s Rugby home games at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday 2 November (kick-off: 1pm) against Sale Sharks. To make sure you do not miss out, purchase a Lightning Season Ticket priced* from just £65 (adult) and £30 juniors by clicking HERE!

*Season Ticket prices are subject to a booking fee of £2.50 per Season Ticket, plus £10 admin fee for Direct Debit.