Loughborough Lightning’s hopes of lifting the JAECOO Next Gen Cup may be over for another season, but for interim Head Coach Rachel Taylor, the early months of the campaign will prove invaluable for what lies ahead.
Victory over Leicester Tigers in the final pool fixture ended a three‑game run without a win against Sale Sharks, Saracens and Exeter Chiefs.
Lightning fielded the most inexperienced side in the competition across their four fixtures, with 11 players making their debuts and many others gaining valuable senior minutes as the Club builds towards the JAECOO PWR opener against Trailfinders Women on Friday 20 November at DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
“The Cup has been incredibly valuable for us, providing an opportunity to develop players, build depth and create a stronger pathway into senior rugby,” said Taylor.
“Alongside our new Lightning caps, we’ve continued to support players’ off‑field learning, athletic development and leadership. We’ve deliberately brought new and experienced players together to help those transitioning from BUCS understand the demands and expectations of Lightning rugby, while creating opportunities for the group to grow together.”
The Cup campaign began with a thrilling contest at Morson Stadium, where Lightning pulled level in the final ten minutes only for the hosts to finish stronger and claim a 34-26 home victory. Reigning league and cup champions Saracens showed their class in a Friday night fixture at Bedford Blues, but there was a marked improvement in the 42-12 loss to Exeter Chiefs that followed at Sandy Park.
“Each game has presented a different challenge and given us something valuable to take forward,” explained Taylor. “From a game at Sale we should have won, to developing our game management at Exeter and really testing ourselves against a strong PWR Saracens side, we’ve continued to learn and develop with every exposure.
“I’m incredibly proud of how the group has embraced this period and understood what the Cup represents for us. Their commitment, work ethic and willingness to keep improving have really impressed me. They’ve continued to work hard, challenge themselves and put us in the best possible position moving forward.”
Taylor also highlighted the contribution of staff members who have stepped up while Nathan Smith is away on secondment during the WXV Global Series.
“The staff’s continued commitment to developing our players and building a world‑leading programme has been unfaltering,” Taylor said. “We’re extremely proud of what Nathan has achieved with Canada, and we’re looking forward to welcoming him back to Lightning and building on the progress we’ve made as we turn our attention towards the PWR league.
“As a programme, this competition has allowed us to explore different approaches, challenge our thinking and identify areas that can help us take the next step. The focus now is on carrying those learnings into the league, continuing to raise our standards and developing the depth, quality and consistency needed to bridge the gap to the top four.
“On a personal level, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have stepped in as Head Coach during Nathan’s absence. It’s been a really rewarding experience and a privilege to work alongside such a committed group of players and staff as we’ve continued to develop the programme throughout the Cup period.”