Loughborough Lightning fly-half Helen Nelson has shared her desire for Lightning to make their home stadium a fortress as they welcome Exeter Chiefs on Sunday (9 November, kick-off: 2:30pm).
Last weekend, Lightning got their first win of the 2025/26 Premiership Women’s Rugby season with a 19-12 victory over Sale Sharks at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
Loughborough once again return to cinch Stadium in Round 3 as they welcome South-Western rivals Exeter Chiefs who sit just one point above in the PWR table – tickets are available by clicking HERE.
“On Sunday against Sale, the atmosphere was unbelievable,” Nelson said. “There were so many people there, it was so loud. Having that home advantage is huge in the PWR and something we can hopefully start building momentum with, as teams definitely fear coming to cinch.
“We want to make cinch Stadium a fortress. Whilst it’s not our regular training base, we play all our games there, and I think we’ve built such a good rapport with the fans, and it definitely feels like home.
“It’s obviously a stadium that has so much history. The Saints squad are absolutely flying at the moment. When we’ve gone for training days at the ground, we’ve got access to their skills coaches, and there’s such a partnership being created between the two of us.
“There’s loads of Lightning branding around the stadium as well. It’s such a good setup, and now as Lightning, we’re putting our own print on it as well.”
Lightning’s opening two performances have included plenty of positives for Nathan Smith’s side, including some wonderful attacking rugby against Harlequins in Round 1, including a 50-metre stunner from Amelia Williams, as well as some impeccable goal-line defence against Sale Sharks.
“Nathan’s always pretty upfront that he wants us to be a team that can play from anywhere,” Nelson continued.
“We have a wealth of talent across the board. We have a back three that are absolutely lightning quick, but also some really good, back rowers and physical girls in the middle as well.
“We’ve got a team and a skill set to be able to play that way. That’s why it’s has been designed to kind of play to their strengths.
“It’s all well and good having a good team on paper, but we’re definitely tired of people underestimating us and thinking that we’ll roll over easily.
“We have a good amount of grit and determination, and I think that is probably the difference that wins your games or not, is being able to see out games.
“I would definitely say it's something that we’ve been quietly chipping away at over the years, and I’m sure that’s what gets us that top four spot, is having that kind of edge and a bit more grit about us.”
This Sunday, Loughborough welcome Exeter Chiefs to cinch Stadium. Chiefs came out on top in a tight tussle last time they visited the East Midlands but there’s no doubting Nelson and her Lightning teammates are ready for the challenge.
“We always play well against Exeter; it’s always an absolute battle, and the girls will be up for it,” Nelson added.
“Exeter have been a pretty big force to be reckoned with over the last few years. Our performances against them have been improving over the past couple of years.
“They bring so much physicality in the front row and the forwards in general, so it’s going to be a proper physical battle.”
Tickets are available for Lightning versus Exeter Chiefs by clicking HERE