TEAM NEWS | Loughborough Lightning v Saracens Women

Captain Lotte Clapp says she is hugely excited to make her first start for two months after recovering from a knee injury in time to start against Loughborough Lightning tomorrow.

The club captain had been on the sidelines since mid November until the win over DMP last Sunday when she came off the bench, and she is now ready for a full return to action. 

Head Coach Alex Austerberry has made a number of changes to the starting line up as his side head to Epinal Way for what will be a stern test. 

Hannah Botterman continues at loosehead, and is joined by Jodie Rettie at hooker and also Donna Rose at tighthead who this week became one of the first Welsh Women to be awarded a full-time professional contract. 

Fiona McIntosh returns to the second-row to partner Sonia Green, and in the back-row there is a boost as Georgia Evans and Poppy Cleall are both back to line up alongside the ever-present co-captain Marlie Packer.

Ella Wyrwas moves from full-back to her more familiar position of scrum-half, and Zoe Harrison is back in the number 10 shirt.

Holly Aitchison shifts to the midfield with Hannah Casey, and the back-three of Alysha Corrigan, Rachel Laqeretabua and co-captain Lotte Clapp has plenty of experience between them. 

On the bench there are two hugely exciting additions, as Mackenzie Carson is back in the match day squad after a spell in Canada, and new signing Alev Kelter will be looking to make her debut after arriving in London this week. 

Clapp says she is eagerly anticipating the test on Saturday.

“I’m really excited to be back on the pitch with the girls and am looking forward to the next lot of challenges!” Said the speedster. 

Saracens Women team to play Loughborough Lightning:

1 Hannah Botterman

2 Jodie Rettie

3 Donna Rose 

4 Fiona McIntosh

5 Sonia Green

6 Georgia Evans

7 Marlie Packer (cc)

8 Poppy Cleall 

9 Ella Wyrwas

10 Zoe Harrison

11 Alysha Corrigan 

12 Holly Aitchison 

13 Hannah Casey

14 Rachel Laqeretabua

15 Lotte Clapp (cc)

Replacements:

16 Kat Evans

17 Kelsey Clifford

18 Alex Ellis

19 Tamara Taylor

20 Mackenzie Carson 

21 Carly Waters

22 Cara Wardle

23 Alev Kelter