How a ‘physical freak’ lit up ‘fantastic spectacle’ as Harlequins win Loughborough Lightning thriller to kick off Premiership Women's Rugby season

The Premiership Women’s Rugby season kicked off in spectacular style as Harlequins romped to a 52-42 win over Loughborough Lightning. Several of England’s World Cup-winning stars were on the pitch, including Sadia Kabeya, who was described as a "physical freak" after her tenacious performance. Watch Gloucester Hartpury v Saracens on Sunday at 15:00 UK time, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Harlequins head coach Ross Chisholm hailed a "fantastic spectacle" after his side claimed a thrilling 52-42 victory over Loughborough Lightning in a sensational Premiership Women’s Rugby curtain-raiser on Friday night.

With several of the stars of England’s sensational World Cup win taking to the Twickenham Stoop pitch, including Ellie Kildunne and Lucy Packer of Quins and Lightning’s Sadia Kadeya, the crowd was treated to an adrenaline-pumping 14-try contest.

Loughborough were 28-26 up at the break after an end-to-end first half, but Quins struck back after the break and eventually pulled clear late on with Hannah Sims’ last-gasp score.

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It marked a thrilling start to a new season of PWR action, which continues when champions Gloucester-Hartpury host Saracens on Sunday at 15:00 UK time, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

"The whole spectacle was fantastic," said Chisholm.

"The crowd I thought was unbelievable. It's about putting on a real performance, and I think the game delivered, the spectacle delivered as a whole, and Friday night lights at the Stoop is always fun.

"I thought it was fantastic to open the PWR season that way."

Spain star Claudia Pena made a huge impact for Quins, with the centre kicking five conversions and scoring a try for the Londoners.

"We knew what the plan was, and we knew what we would have to do," said Pena.

"We knew we had to bring all the energy in the second half. I think we need to be more clear and professional in the aspect to be ready to do this in the start of the game."

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While it was the home fans and players who were left smiling, the performance of England’s Kabeya stood out.

The flanker was named player of the match when the Red Roses claimed their historic World Cup final win against Canada in September, and continued that form in club colours.

Some powerful carries, particularly when she broke three tackles to tee up Bo Westcombe-Evans’ opening score, stood out, and she got on the board with a try of her own just before the break that edged Loughborough in front.

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Video credit: TNT Sports

Lightning captain Daisy Hibbert-Jones was full of praise for her team-mate after the game despite defeat.

"She's a physical freak," Hibbert-Jones told BBC Sport.

"Both sides of the ball, she's a hugely attacking threat, she's got power, she's got pace to get her through those line breaks.

"And defensively, she's an absolute physical warrior. She's someone I love to play alongside and would hate to play against."

Trailfinders face Exeter Chiefs and Sale host Leicester on Saturday, before the blockbuster clash between Gloucester-Hartpury and Saracens completes the PWR weekend on Sunday.

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Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM, Autumn Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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