Loughborough Lightning have been well represented on the international stage this spring – with no fewer than 29 players called up to senior, age‑grade and Sevens squads during the break from Premiership Women’s Rugby action.
Adding to that impressive figure are two members of Lightning’s coaching staff, with Emily Scarratt participating in her first Six Nations campaign as part of the England backroom team following her retirement after winning a second World Cup last year.
Away from the spotlight on these shores, Lightning Head Coach Nathan Smith added a further representative to the international stage as he took on a role with World Cup runners‑up Canada during the Pacific Four Series.
Smith, who was joined by Saracens Head Coach Alex Austerbury in Kevin Rouet’s coaching group, led the Canucks’ lineout as they defeated Australia (24-0) and the USA (50-12), either side of a 14-36 loss to New Zealand.
“It was a great experience coaching Canada and an opportunity that I reflect fondly upon and I think it has been hugely beneficial for my coaching journey, and in turn will benefit what we are doing here at Lightning.
“The Australia game was played out in horrendous conditions but it was a solid win, and we were leading New Zealand after an hour but we ran out of gas. Then to finish, we blew USA away in the second half.
“Canada do not have the biggest budget in women’s rugby but they managed to come runners‑up in the World Cup. Lightning don’t have the biggest budget in PWR but they punch above their weight. It was interesting and beneficial for me to be in that different environment and it’ll definitely benefit Lightning moving forward.
“It was great to work with different coaches in a different country. It was nice to double down on being a coach rather than leading a programme, and I thank Loughborough University for allowing it to happen and Kevin for giving me the opportunity.”
During Smith’s secondment, Loughborough University ended a 21‑year wait to be crowned Women’s BUCS Super Rugby champions, defeating Brunel University 45-5 in Newport last weekend.
Smith was an interested spectator from afar on the live stream and was delighted to see the side end a run of successive final defeats in the competition.
“It was a tremendous performance to wrap up an impressive season and give the girls and the coaching staff the reward they deserve for all their efforts,” added Smith. “We’re extremely proud of the pathway we have at Loughborough, and what we are doing to develop young players to go and compete in PWR and for international honours.
“It’s especially pleasing when you consider the likes of Haineala Lutui and Carmela Morrall could’ve been included, but they’re away with the senior Red Roses camp so were unable to participate. The future is extremely bright when you look at all of those young players coming through.”
Tickets are on sale for Lightning’s final home game of the 2025/26 season against Saracens on Saturday 31 May (kick-off: 12pm) by clicking HERE, and season tickets for the 2026/27 campaign are also on sale and are available by clicking HERE.