The eleventh round of the 2025/26 Premiership Women’s Rugby campaign delivered a diverse range of outcomes and moments.
Gloucester Hartpury solidified their first-place position in the standings by defeating Harlequins 45-22 at Kingsholm Stadium. Meanwhile, Sale Sharks secured a crucial victory over Trailfinders Women, Exeter Chiefs overcame Loughborough Lightning, and Saracens clinched a last-minute triumph against Bristol Bears.
As Round 12 approaches, preceding a short hiatus, ample opportunity remains to thoroughly analyze the events of the previous weekend’s matches.
Below are three key discussions arising from Round 11…
Sale secures road victory, sustaining semi-final aspirations
Only two weeks prior, Sale Sharks witnessed Bristol Bears claim a slim victory at Shaftesbury, decided by a penalty in the dying moments.
This outcome largely typified their season: possessing considerable skill and capability, yet struggling to close out matches successfully.
Despite defeats to the top two sides, Saracens and Gloucester Hartpury, Sale could take significant pride in their showings. However, it was against Trailfinders Women in London that this latent potential truly manifested.
Trailing their opponents by 10 points shortly after Alivia Leatherman’s try early in the second half, the team orchestrated a memorable comeback, sealing the victory with scores from Brittany Hogan, Amy Cokayne, Charlotte Fray, and a penalty conversion by Lizzie Duffy.
Tom Hudson’s initial lineup featured a few noteworthy adjustments. Holly Aitchison transitioned to the full-back position, Lizzie Duffy assumed the fly-half role, and Courtney Keight alongside Beatrice Rigoni were positioned in the midfield.
Newcomers from the winter transfer window, Hogan and Asia Hogan-Rochester, made their debut starts, with both players successfully scoring.
With a 13-point gap from a top-four spot, this outcome ensures that aspirations for a semi-final berth remain viable. Six regular season fixtures are still scheduled. Overcoming a direct rival also vying for a semi-final place is a definite method to sustain such ambitions.
However, it is important not to overstate this achievement. Sale’s journey to the knockout stages is fraught with uncertainties. This performance must act as the springboard for a powerful finish to their season, with their upcoming three fixtures being against Harlequins Women, Loughborough Lightning, and Leicester Tigers.
For Trailfinders, this outcome is not devastating. While a victory would have significantly bolstered their chances for knockout stage qualification, their hopes remain very much intact. Barney Maddison’s squad must ensure this match does not initiate a downturn in their season’s trajectory.
Bristol challenges Saracens intensely, yet falls short in the end
Saracens relied heavily on their seasoned international players to secure a victory against Bristol Bears at StoneX Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
By halftime, Scott Lawson’s Bears held a commanding 26-12 advantage, and the match’s ultimate outcome remained uncertain until Zoe Harrison converted a penalty in the 78th minute.
Bristol commenced the game in North London with an undeniably impressive initial performance. Millie David, Ruahei Demant, and Sarah Bern, who scored twice, contributed tries that secured a bonus point for the visiting team by the 31st minute.
Before the interval, Saracens turned their attention to their forward pack, with Kelsey Clifford successfully scoring two tries herself. The match was firmly contested at halftime. Continuing their rally, May Campbell scored twice, sandwiching a try from Olivia Apps.
In the final five minutes, Keira Bevan converted her own try, leveling the score. Subsequently, after Jenna de Vera was penalized for not retreating, Harrison was presented with a straightforward chance to secure the win from directly in front of the posts, which she successfully converted.
Saracens’ display was arguably their most inconsistent of the season. They initially struggled to counter Bristol’s energetic opening, yet ultimately regrouped and discovered a method to claim victory, a feat the Bears could not achieve.
Since returning from the winter break, Bristol has defeated Sale Sharks and shared points with Trailfinders. These recent performances have made their sole win from the initial part of the season seem like a distant memory.
Saracens Women
Bristol Bears Women
Given there are six remaining regular season encounters, qualifying for the top four remains a theoretical possibility. However, simply regaining a competitive edge will offer a measure of comfort. Their next fixture involves traveling to face Loughborough Lightning. And speaking of them…
Chiefs inflict significant setback on Lightning’s morale at wet Sandy Park
In stark contrast to Bristol’s successful re-entry to competitive play in 2026, Loughborough Lightning has endured a considerably less favorable period.
Consecutive defeats to Gloucester Hartpury and Exeter Chiefs, interrupted by a bye week, have nearly halted the East Midlands club’s pursuit of a top-four position.
In their 26-5 loss to Exeter Chiefs, the team struggled to mount any significant offense, apart from Kathryn Treder’s individual score.
The conditions in Devon were extraordinarily challenging, yet the home side battled through to secure a bonus point victory, with tries contributed by Francesca Granzotto, Amy Rule, Hope Rogers, and Dorothy Wall.
It feels very recent that Lightning was considered a strong candidate for a top-four finish. Currently, however, one might genuinely question where their next victory will originate, especially with upcoming fixtures against in-form Sale, Harlequins, Gloucester Hartpury, and Trailfinders squads.
This season, Loughborough has observed a significant boost in the performances of Haineala Lutui, Carmela Morrall, and Keevy Fitzpatrick, benefiting from increased playing time alongside experienced international players.
Should Nathan Smith’s team incur two additional defeats in their remaining six matches, it could prove disastrous for their season, particularly disheartening after their impressive commencement to the 2025/26 campaign.
