Tickets for Loughborough Lightning’s opening match of the JAECOO PWR Next Gen Cup on Friday 2 October (kick-off: 7:30pm) are on sale now, priced from just £10 for adults and £3 for U18s.
After kicking off their 2026/27 season with a trip to Sale in Pool B, Lightning follow in the footsteps of Northampton Saints to take to the turf at Goldington Road, the home of Saints’ strategic partner club and last term’s CHAMP finalists Bedford Blues, as they take on reigning cup and league champions Saracens.
With several members of the senior squad away on international duty with WXV, an exciting group of young players will be chomping at the bit to impress in Next Gen Cup action.
Standout performers from last year’s Cup campaign include Carmela Morrall, Keevy Fitzpatrick, Amelia Williams and last year’s PWR breakthrough player of the season, Haineala Lutui.
“The opportunity to bring Lightning to Bedford, a town with such a proud rugby heritage and passionate rugby community, is hugely exciting for us,” said Yvette Heywood, Head of Women’s Rugby Partnership at Northampton Saints.
“Over the past six years, Saints and Bedford have built a successful and mutually beneficial partnership, and we’re delighted to now extend that relationship to include Lightning.
“Bedford has a thriving women’s side competing at Championship Two level, and we’re really looking forward to experiencing the fantastic support of the local community at Goldington Road.”
On the game, Bedford Blues Chief Executive Officer, Gareth Alred, said: “We are always looking for opportunities to grow and deliver more rugby to our community. With a thriving women’s team and strong Junior Girls section, as well as continuing to champion the women’s game, we were actively looking to host such a fixture.
“Thanks to the relationship with Northampton Saints, we have been given the opportunity to host Loughborough Lightning, and we can’t wait!
“We hope to generate a good attendance in support of the fixture and will be announcing plenty of matchday activation in the build-up.”
Match tickets for Lightning vs Saracens are now available to purchase directly from Bedford Blues HERE.