Loughborough Lightning have made two changes to their starting line-up for Saturday’s Allianz Cup clash with Trailfinders Women at Epinal Way (kick-off: 2pm).

Head coach Nathan Smith has named the same backs division for a third game running as Lightning seek to build on their fantastic win against Harlequins a fortnight ago in their final match before the Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby gets underway next month.

The two changes to the side that will be running out at Loughborough University both come in the forwards as Grace Clifford packs down at tighthead prop, with Isla Curphey rotating to the bench.

Canadian second row Abby Duguid makes her second Lightning debut after returning to the Club in place of Lilli Ives Campion, who is rested for this Cup encounter.

After impressing for Loughborough University at BUCS level, 18-year-old back rower Lucy Finch is set for her Lightning debut from among the replacements.

Other changes to the bench from a fortnight ago see Phoebe Andrews and Issy Winter included.

“I’m really proud of what this group has achieved during the period where we’ve had so many players away on international duty,” said Smith. “They have done extremely well and have no doubt created some selection headaches when we do start getting players back from their countries."

“I’m delighted to see Abby Duguid make her second debut and to have the opportunity to work with her. Lilli has had a lot of game time and a big workload while away with England so it’s a great opportunity for Abby to show us what she can do.”

Opponents Trailfinders Women are still searching for their first win of the Cup campaign ahead of participating in PWR for the first time this season.

Smith added: “Ealing are going to be a great addition to the league and from what I have seen from them, they play rugby the right way and it should be a really good game on Saturday.”

LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING vs TRAILFINDERS WOMEN

Allianz Cup, Round 4

Saturday 28 October, 2023

Epinal Way, Loughborough University

Kick-off: 2pm

15 Georgina Tasker (vc)

14 Ellen Scantlebury

13 Emma Hardy

12 Carmela Morrall

11 Bo Westcombe-Evans

10 Lia Green

9 Megan Davey

1 Katie Trevarthen

2 Kendall Waudby

3 Grace Clifford

4 Becky Boyd

5 Abby Duguid

6 Ellie Roberts

7 Sally Williams (c)

8 Maja Meuller

Replacements:

16 Phoebe Andrews

17 Kath Baverstock

18 Isla Curphey

19 Issy Winter

20 Lucy Finch

21 Sarah Shrestha

22 Jess Weaver

23 Lucia Linn