Gloucester-Hartpury are back in league action this weekend against Loughborough Lightning.

Head Coach, Sean Lynn, is expecting a tough encounter when they head to Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday.

“Loughborough are always a tough challenge and they’ve got some really good talent there.

“Chloe Rollie had a really good Six Nations with Scotland is a massive threat, Helena Rowland coming back from the Red Roses is great and they have a massive forward pack, so we’re not taking them lightly.

"Loughborough are a good outfit and we’re expecting a challenge on Sunday."

When the sides last met, Gloucester-Hartpury came away with a 46-12 win at Kingsholm, Lynn says they’re not reflecting on the past but are instead concentrating on Sunday’s fixture.

“It was a good result but that’s in the past and we’re focused on what we’re looking at this week.

“A lot of their players are going in with some confidence from the Six Nations and they had a really good 46-12 win over Harlequins in the Allianz Cup so it’s all about Sunday’s game.”

With four games left of the Allianz Premier 15s season before the playoffs, which Gloucester-Hartpury have already secured their place in, Lynn says it’s important for his side to build momentum.

“Momentum is such a massive word in sports, but I just can’t explain how important it is to get those winning ways and pick up little wins in everything we do.”

Last time out, an inexperienced Cherry & Whites team pushed West Country rivals Bristol Bears all the way. But Dave Ward’s side claimed third place in the Allianz Cup with a strong closing quarter at the Alpas Arena.

“The girls did us proud and the Allianz Cup is all about giving opportunities to our youngsters.

“Fair play to Bristol, they put on a good show on and in the last fifteen minutes their bench made a really big impact.

“Playing against such strong opposition in Bristol and Saracens they’ll only learn from so it’s a positive.

“I feel we have blooded a lot of players and the exposure some of those players have had against strong teams is a massive learning curve especially for the 18/19-year-olds so we’re excited for the future.”

Gloucester-Hartpury’s Six Nations stars return for the league run-in, and Lynn says the added energy and experience of the internationals, plus the strength in depth they’re gained from the cup competition, has put them in a good place for the closing stages.

“We had the week off last week to let the girls freshen up before a big five weeks starting this weekend away at Loughborough.

“These five weeks are going to be a massive squad effort.

“It’s been great to have the internationals back in, the likes of Zoe and Mo are great leaders on and off the field and then youngsters like Sisilia Tuipulotu have come into their own this Six Nations that confidence is huge for us.”

“We all know it’s going to be a 45-woman squad going into these last few weeks.”

Gloucester-Hartpury return to Kingsholm next weekend, when they welcome Harlequins in the Premier 15s. Lynn says it’s going to be a great occasion, but that his side are focused on Sunday’s trip to Franklin’s Gardens for now.

“We’re really excited to play Harlequins, they’re a good side and they have a lot of internationals too.

“We’re fully focused on Loughborough for now but that game against Quins at Kingsholm on Sunday 21 May will be special.”

Tickets for Sunday 21 May’s Kingsholm clash with Quins are available to purchase here.

Internationals give energy boost as Premier 15s resumes says Lynn

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