Loughborough Lightning’s Bo Westcombe-Evans Sidelined for Remainder of PWR Season

Loughborough Lightning winger Bo Westcombe-Evans will miss the rest of the Premiership Women’s Rugby season due to a “significant knee injury,” head coach Nathan Smith announced. The 22-year-old, who debuted for England in September, sustained the injury during the first half of the team’s 22-19 loss against Harlequins on 26 October. This season, she has scored three tries in two games. Westcombe-Evans has previously scored 31 tries in 44 appearances for Loughborough Lightning. Smith commented on the situation, stating, “[It] is disappointing from her perspective and from ours.” He added, “We will support her in her journey back to getting fully fit.” Loughborough is already contending with the unavailability of several players, including Cath O’Donnell, Emma Wassell, and Sadia Kabeya. In more positive news for the club, Red Roses player Helena Rowland is set to start against Exeter Chiefs on Sunday, marking her first PWR game since returning from WXV1 duty. Exeter currently holds the top position in the PWR table, remaining unbeaten after five games. Loughborough, conversely, is in seventh place with one win from four matches. Smith was also questioned about Fran Goldthorp, who has rejoined rugby union with Loughborough after competing in rugby league. Goldthorp, 21, plays as a full-back, and the head coach believes she can offer strong competition to Red Roses number 15 Ellie Kildunne for her position. Smith further elaborated: “She is the only person that can do that.” He recalled, “We saw a couple of moments from Ellie for Quins when we played them [in October] but I thought Fran was exceptional in that game.” He concluded, “In my opinion she is the only person who can really challenge Ellie – one, for her shirt but [two] for her to keep improving as well.”