Across her 74 Loughborough Lightning appearances and many more for Loughborough University and wearing the Red Rose of England, Lilli Ives Campion has experienced many things on a rugby pitch.
Despite being just 22 years of age, the England lock is one of the African Violets’ most seasoned campaigners. But even the second row admitted Sunday’s Sandy Park ordeal was like none other she has participated in before.
Long before the whistle blew to commence the Premiership Women’s Rugby fixture against Exeter Chiefs, the heavens opened and it peaked during the Sunday lunch time game, as the surface transitioned from green to brown, as supporters ran for cover or huddled under umbrellas.
“I don’t think I’ve ever played in weather quite like it,” said Ives Campion. “I think the team did really well, especially in the second half, we tightened up what we wanted to do. It isn’t the result we wanted but Exeter really took it to us, which is exactly what we expected.
“Unfortunately we didn’t come away with the win but we did a really good job.”
Lightning trailed 19-5 at the break as Exeter kept their errors down to a minimum and their direct approach inside the 22 delivered results to build a lead that would prove too big a mountain for Lightning to climb.
However, the visitors did change their approach in the second period, carrying direct into the heart of Exeter and applied pressure with their kicking game – but Exeter resolutely absorbed their advances and ultimately added a fourth try in the game’s final play.
Ives Campion was at the forefront of Lightning’s battle to get back in the game, leading a remarkable lineout effort that regularly diffused Chiefs’ attacks and she was rewarded with the Built for Athletes Player of the Match award.
After the 26-5 loss, the Red Roses World Cup winner reflected on her side’s improved showing after the break.
“The minute the weather comes into play, you really have to adapt what you do,” she said. “When you’re playing with so much rain, the ball gets a bit slippy and you have to tighten up and play a bit more direct. We came into the changing room at half-time, put a plan together, and that really helped us in the second half.
After two lengthy trips on the road to start 2026, Lightning will enjoy home comforts for the majority of the next month as they enjoy three homes out of four – starting with Bristol Bears’ visit to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday (kick-off: 3pm) – tickets are available by clicking HERE.
“I am so excited, I absolutely love playing at home,” added Ives Campion. “It is an amazing stadium and I love the fans that come out and watch. I can’t wait to play Bristol, they’re really on the up lately.
“We had a really competitive game with them last time, coming in at half-time behind but we won the game. It’s going to be a really good match and I cannot wait to play.”