Amy Layzell is embracing Loughborough Lightning’s venture into a ‘rugby hotspot’ as they take on Saracens at the home of Bedford Blues on Friday evening (kick-off: 7.30pm).
The JAECOO Next Gen Cup encounter will be staged under the floodlights at Goldington Road, as the African Violets look to bounce back from their narrow opening‑round defeat to Sale Sharks a fortnight ago.
Utility back Layzell crossed twice in that 34-26 loss on her Lightning debut, and is now set to make her ‘home’ bow in new surroundings for the Club.
The former England U20 international joined Lightning in January 2026 from rivals Harlequins. Her rugby journey began at hometown club Winchester RFC, before representing Hampshire at county level and later playing BUCS Super Rugby for Durham University.
Alongside her 15s career, Layzell has also gained international honours for Ireland in the Women’s 7s Championship Series 2025.
Despite being just 25, she was the oldest player in the Lightning matchday squad at Sale in round one. While disappointed not to come away with more match points, Layzell was pleased to get her Lightning journey underway.
“It was really nice to finally pull on the shirt, get on the pitch and run out with the girls for the first time,” she said. “Even though we didn’t get the right result, we fought back a lot in that second half, and I feel that shows how strong a team we are.
“We still have three games left in the Cup group stages, so hopefully we’ll be able to bring in some good results. It was the first game of the season, and there are always going to be hiccups.
“It was amazing to see so many debuts across the matchday squad last weekend. While it was my debut for Lightning, it was also a lot of the girls’ first experience of senior rugby, so it was great to see them come out and perform.
“Izzy Clist was doing her thing – making big hits and carries – which was awesome to see her transfer her form from the training ground onto the pitch.”
This Friday night, Lightning host North London rivals Saracens at Goldington Road – with tickets still available HERE – who not only won last year’s Cup competition but also were last year’s league winners, securing a record fourth league title becoming the most successful side in English women's rugby
“I was playing for Harlequins in the Cup final last year against Saracens,” Layzell continued.
“They’re a very difficult team, we’ve got to expect a powerful pack but also a lot of danger out wide. But if we stick together as a group and hold our defence well, I think we can put up a good fight.
“If we put out on the pitch what we do in training, I think we come out with a good performance.”
Loughborough Lightning 2026/27 Season Tickets are still on sale priced from £70 adult and £25 child. To purchase yours or for more information, please click HERE.