Loughborough Lightning’s Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby fixture against Trailfinders Women – originally scheduled to take place on Saturday 20 January 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 the University’s all-weather pitch on Saturday, with the kick-off time (2pm) unchanged. Entry to the re-arranged match in Loughborough is free-of-charge.
Lightning Season Ticket Holders and match ticket purchasers for the match in Northampton will have the cost of their match ticket automatically credited to their account. You will be emailed directly with further information, but any further questions can be directed to [email protected].
“It is clearly frustrating to need to move this game away from Northampton at short notice, and we recognise the inconvenience this will cause for the players as well as supporters who had planned to attend, but the safety of the players and officials involved in the match is paramount,” said Connor Fleming, Community and Women’s Rugby Director at Northampton Saints.
“We brought extra staff into the ground on Sunday to deploy frost sheets across the stadium pitch for the duration of the week, and made every effort within the provisions available to us for an Allianz PWR fixture to get this match played at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
“However, with temperatures hitting -6° overnight on Wednesday, parts of the pitch which are permanently covered by shade are frozen – and with further freezing temperatures forecast over the next two evenings, we cannot guarantee the surface will be safe for play by Saturday afternoon.
“We hope a good number of supporters will still be able to head over to Epinal Way for the match, where entry will be free of charge given the late change to the venue.
“We’re grateful to Loughborough University for allowing us to relocate and play this game on their all-weather pitch, and look forward to hosting Lightning’s next home game on Saturday 10 February against Leicester Tigers.”
Directions to Loughborough University can be found HERE. For the rugby pitches please use the main entrance on Epinal Way, postcode LE11 3TU. On arrival and once through security you will be guided to Car Park 9, a short walk from the pitch.
