Loughborough Lightning ‘imprinted’ their style of play on Gloucester‑Hartpury, according to fly‑half Helena Rowland.
In Sunday’s 38-43 defeat, the African Violets registered the most points scored against the three‑time reigning Premiership Women’s Rugby champions in their last 26 outings, dating back to October 2024.
Nathan Smith’s side were also just a couple of minutes away from ending their opponents’ 23‑game winning run. Sadly, it wasn’t to be, as the Cherry‑and‑Whites continued their seemingly relentless march towards a fourth successive final with a decisive late score.
“I am frustrated but proud,” said Rowland, who converted four of Lightning’s six tries to move within six points of Emily Scarratt’s all‑time points‑scoring record for the club.
“It was interesting in the circle at the end — it was flat, rather than everyone being excited about that result, because it was really one that we had, and ultimately didn’t keep hold of, which is really frustrating.
“But to go toe‑to‑toe with an unbeaten team in the league really proves that we are on the comeback.”
Following on from the previous round’s 43-33 victory over Harlequins under the Friday Night Lights at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, Lightning continued to attack from all quarters, delivering some stunning tries — and a couple of near misses along the way.
Rowland, who recently signed a contract extension with Lightning, was encouraged by her side’s conviction in their actions.
“We showed against Quins how we wanted to play and, despite the badge and the players Gloucester have, we wanted to go in and imprint exactly the same thing on them — and I think we did,” said Rowland. “We scored some great tries, we left a few out there, which unfortunately probably cost us in the end, but in terms of how we want to play exciting rugby and get everyone on the ball, that is exactly what we want.
Rowland is one of 12 Lightning players who are away on England duty — both in the senior and U21 squads — at the start of this week, which concludes for Lightning with the trip to Trailfinders Women on Sunday 29 March (kick‑off 12pm).
Among the six players within the senior training squad is Lightning captain Daisy Hibbert‑Jones, who earned her first England cap back in 2023 and is now in contention to add to that tally during the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
“I am really pleased for Daisy,” added Rowland. “She works so hard every week in training and obviously balances that alongside working. I think you saw it last year and you’ve seen it this season — she doesn’t miss a minute.
“She is incredibly durable, incredibly resilient, and that is the kind of player you need. She will work until she is crawling off the pitch. I am glad to see she has been rewarded for that.”