Katie Trevarthen set to become Lightning’s first 100-club member

Head coach Nathan Smith and Rachel Malcolm paid glowing tributes to Katie Trevarthen ahead of making her 100th Lightning appearance this weekend.

The loosehead prop is in-line to become the Club’s first centurion when she takes to the field for Lightning’s Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby showdown with Harlequins Women at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday (kick-off: 2pm) – tickets are available from just £7.50 for adults and £3 for juniors by clicking HERE.

Trevarthen, 28, made her debut in Lightning’s first top-flight game back in 2017 against Worcester Warriors and has been a consistent performer up until announcing she was taking a step back from playing last summer to focus on her coaching role as as BUCS Women’s Rugby Lead.

But upon arriving into his new role at a similar time, Smith was able to encourage the front row to stay on for one final season – and so far this term Trevarthen has missed only two games in all competitions with her latest and 99th outing coming from the bench last time out against Gloucester-Hartpury.

“It is an unbelievable achievement to make 100 appearances for any side, obviously it is the first time in Lightning’s history which makes it even more special,” said Smith.

“It has been an absolute pleasure over the last 10 months to work with Katie. I think people probably underestimate the amount she has done, especially during those last 10 months, to keep the programme, one, functioning right at the start and, two, progressing. 

“It is really important to recognise players like Katie within the PWR and reaching 100 games. Katie has never played senior international rugby, I feel like they get – and rightly so – the Red Roses and Scotland internationals will get special moments, they will get Grand Slams, Six Nations wins and World Cups where they will get accolades and caps. I think this is just as important for Katie and it is just as special.

“No-one has done it before in Lightning history, she will always be the first person to do it, and it should be celebrated and it should be recognised as a great achievement.”

Like many of Lightning’s senior stars, Lichfield is on their rugby CV and this is where Trevarthen first came into contact with Malcolm. The pair both moved to Loughborough and have become mainstays in the side over the past seven seasons.

“I’ve actually played with her for the entirety of my rugby career,” said Scotland and Lightning captain, Malcolm. “The word that would come to mind with her is resilient. She has had what should have been a career-ending injury at one point.

“As a player she has a ridiculous work rate, the work she gets through as a front row is up there with the highest in terms of collisions, tackles, made, carries, rucks hit and all those things. She is absolutely tireless. She is one of our key players in terms of getting through work, a workhorse would be her super strength! 

“Katie is also an unconventional scrummager but somewhat effective. She doesn’t necessary paint the same picture as most looseheads but teams to tend to struggle to get the upper hand on her. She definitely punches above her weight in terms of she isn’t the biggest front row in the world, but a lot of big tightheads have struggled to get the better of her. 

“She wanted to retire last year as well, her body wanted to retire but she knew we needed her this season, so I think that shows a lot about her as well and how loyal she is to what Lightning are about and how loyal she is as a person.

“What she has done for Lightning is incredible but also what she has done for Loughborough rugby in general, is probably more than anyone in terms of what she has done on the pitch, her leadership and her coaching. It is a phenomenal achievement for a very special person as well. Someone who always has a smile on her face as well and keeps everyone going.”