Nel Metcalfe hat-trick puts Gloucester-Hartpury top as World Cup bounce goes on

The Premiership Women’s Rugby defending champions stayed on course for a fourth consecutive title with a 45-26 win over Loughborough

The English top flight returned from a six-week break with impressive crowds continuing to benefit from the post-Rugby World Cup bounce and the battle for top four spots as tight as ever. While only six points separate third from sixth in the Women’s Premiership, the reigning champions, Gloucester-Hartpury, once again proved their superiority with a seven-try 45-26 win over Loughborough that lifted them above Saracens at the top of the table.

Gloucester are now five points clear of Saracens, who did not play like weekend, and 12 of the chasing pack as they continued their unbeaten run with their last league defeat coming in November 2024. The defending champions underlined their intent for a fourth consecutive title with a stunning home display. The Wales international Nel Metcalfe was the star for the hosts with a 24-minute first-half hat-trick. Her performances will be giving Wales supporters a sprinkling of hope leading in to the Women’s Six Nations in two months’ time. Continue reading...