Head Coach Nathan Smith has made two changes to his starting XV for Loughborough Lightning’s trip to the Southwest to face Exeter Chiefs this weekend.
The African Violets return to action in Round 11 with their longest away day of the season as they take on the hosts who sit just two spots above them in the Premiership Women’s Rugby table.
Last time the two sides faced each other in November 2025 at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, the result ended in a nail-biting 33-33 draw, but Smith’s side will be looking for a happier ending on Sunday (kick-off: 1pm – screened live on PWR YouTube).
The two changes to the run-out side both come in the pack. Isla Curphey comes in to start at loosehead prop and is joined by two Americans in the front row; Kathryn Treder and Mae Sagapolu.
Becky Boyd comes in to start on the blindside flank with a positional change for Ehrecke, moving into the second row to pair with World Cup winner Lilli Ives Campion. Haineala Lutui returns to her more familiar position of No.8 and Daisy Hibbert-Jones captains from the openside flank.
The backs division remains unchanged, with Lis Maude and Helen Nelson forming the half-back partnership for a seventh consecutive game, and Carmela Morrall and Alev Kelter extend their formidable midfield combination.
Bo Westcombe-Evans and Bulou Mataitoga are on the wings with Lucia Scott pulling on the fullback shirt once again.
Smith has opted once again for a six-two split on the bench once again which sees another opportunity for Lightning’s three newest debutants; Paige Stathopoulos, Aoibhe Kelly and Kaya Acton, as well as a return for Fancy Bermudez to the side from her international 7s duty for Canada.
Head Coach Nathan Smith said: “We had a highly competitive match last time (33-33 draw), it was a game of fine margins. We had a poor start to the second half and conceded two easy scores. Especially going away to Sandy Park, which is a tough place to go, the level of concentration has to be there for 80-85 minutes.
“If you do knock off or don’t take your opportunities, that is going to cost you. Especially in these top-four games, take your opportunities and make sure you are switched on to not giving them any easy opportunities.”
Exeter Chiefs vs Loughborough Lightning
Premiership Women’s Rugby, Round 11
Sunday 15 February
Sandy Park
Kick-off: 1pm
15. Lucia Scott
14. Bulou Mataitoga
13. Alev Kelter
12. Carmela Morrall
11. Bo Westcombe-Evans
10. Helen Nelson
9. Alicia Maude
1. Isla Curphey
2. Kathryn Treder
3. Mae Sagapolu
4. Lilli Ives-Campion
5. Rachel Ehrecke
6. Becky Boyd
7. Daisy Hibbert-Jones (C)
8. Haineala Lutui
Replacements:
16. Paige Stathopoulos
17. Anne Young
18. Christine Belisle
19. Kaya Acton
20. Tahlia Broady
21. Kendal Waudby
22. Aoibhe Kelly
23. Fancy Bermudez
Exeter Chiefs Women: 15 Sabrina Poulin, 14 Eilidh Sinclair, 13 Alex Tessier, 12 Gabby Cantorna, 11 Francesca Granzotto, 10 Liv McGoverne, 9 Flo Robinson; 1 Hope Rogers, 2 Emily Tuttosi, 3 Amy Rule, 4 Linde Van Der Velden, 5 Abby Duguid, 6 Dorothy Wall, 7 Maisy Allen (c), 8 Maddie Feaunati.
Replacements: 16 El Febrey, 17 Demi Swann, 18 DaLeaka Menin, 19 Gabriella Nigrelli, 20 Zoë Dare, 21 Lucy Nye, 22 Naomi Brennan, 23 Nancy McGillivray