Tahlia Brody has featured in all four East Midlands Derbies since Leicester Tigers joined Premiership Women’s Rugby – yet Saturday’s fifth instalment at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens will be a ‘first’ for the USA international.
That is because the Round 5 fixture will be the first time that the 31-year-old will participate in this eagerly anticipated head-to-head in Loughborough Lightning colours, following her short geographical leap between the rival sides in the summer.
The powerful back-row forward has hit the ground running in an African Violet shirt, becoming Lightning player #152 on her debut as a replacement against Harlequins in Round 1 before marking her first start against Sale Sharks with a maiden try – and then playing her part in the thrilling 33-33 draw with Exeter Chiefs.
Now attentions turn to tackling former teammates in pursuit of Lightning’s second victory of the PWR season.
“There is that part of me that’s excited to go up against my former club, recalling the fact that last year when Loughborough and Leicester played against each other, I was on the other side,” said Brody.
“So, it was really interesting to be able to think about that in an alternative perspective of being able to take it on the other way.
“But otherwise, it’s a game like any other, one that we want to win, one that we want to show what we can do and mark our improvements on.”
Brody, who is also a capable second row option, played in two of the USA’s 2025 Rugby World Cup games, including the tournament opener against eventual winners, England.
During that time, she would get a headstart on life at Lightning through future club-mates Alev Kelter, Kathryn Treder and Bulou Mataitoga.
Along with fellow new recruits Mae Sagapolu and Rachel Ehrecke, the convocation of Eagles circling at Loughborough rose to six heading into the 2025/26 campaign.
“That was something that we recognised in camp,” Brody said. “It was something that we were all excited about, to come into the Loughborough programme, already having made those connections at camp.
“Obviously Treds, Baz and Alev have been over here for a bit, so it was great to have their insight before coming over here to be able to acclimate myself.
Saturday’s fixture is Lightning’s penultimate home game of 2025, and Brody had a strong message for those thinking about purchasing a ticket – which are available priced from £12* adult and £4* junior.
She said: “We’re at home and it’ll be a good rugby game with some quality players in the East Midlands Derby, what else better do you have to do this weekend?”
*Ticket prices are subject to a £1.50 booking fee.