RugbyFest 2.0 attracted hundreds of rugby lovers of all ages to Franklin’s Gardens as a special milestone was celebrated in style.
A year on from the home of Northampton Saints and Loughborough Lightning hosting six matches during the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, the event was held on Saturday 12 September.
More than 50 young girls arrived for the pitch‑up‑and‑play session, led by Saints Community coaches and Loughborough Lightning players.
Simultaneously, a women’s touch rugby festival took place inside the High Performance Centre and on the adjacent pitch, attracting teams from across the local region as well as a touring side from London.
Both events culminated in the newly redeveloped Supporter Village, where participants and spectators were treated to performances from Rock Choir and Oncore Dance Academy.
Free temporary tattoos were provided by Iggy Ink Tattooist, along with photographs with the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy, courtesy of England Rugby.
The event saw Northampton South MP Mike Reader and Northampton North MP Lucy Rigby in attendance, alongside representatives from the Northamptonshire County Federation of Women’s Institutes and Lightning supporter Eilah Grace, who raised hundreds of pounds for her LooseHeadz charity campaign.
RugbyFest 2.0 concluded with a watch‑along of the England versus Australia WXV Global Series clash between the Red Roses and the Wallaroos.
“There was a special atmosphere throughout the day and it was truly a celebration of the power of rugby union,” said Yvette Heywood, Head of Women’s Rugby at Northampton Saints. “I’d like to thank everyone who came along and all of those who contributed on the day. Women’s rugby is on the rise and events like this underline that, and we look forward to holding similar events in the future.”
Early Bird tickets are on sale for Loughborough Lightning’s first JAECOO PWR match of the season against Trailfinders Women on Friday 20 November (kick‑off: 7.30pm), priced from £10 adult* and £4 child – by clicking HERE.
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.
*£1.50 booking fee per ticket.
Photography by Stu Vincent and Double Bobble Photography.