RFU sanctions Loughborough Lightning over regulation breach

The RFU has confirmed that Loughborough Lightning has been handed a suspended five-point deduction in the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) league following a breach of Regulation 10.4.

The incident involves the selection of a player who had not completed required baseline ImPACT testing.

The breach occurred during the match between Trailfinders RFC and Loughborough Lightning on October 13, 2024. Regulation 10.4 mandates that all players must complete World Rugby’s SCRM baselines and baseline ImPACT testing in compliance with the competition's medical standards before participating in any match.

The RFU disciplinary panel, after reviewing the case, stated: "The club admitted the breach and we accept was highly remorseful.

"We conclude a points deduction is necessary to reflect the seriousness of breaching a Regulation intended to promote player safety."

Despite the severity of the breach, the panel took into account mitigating factors such as the club’s immediate response to rectify the situation and their proactive implementation of new procedures to prevent future incidents.

As a result, the five-point deduction has been suspended until the end of the 2025/26 season. The suspension acts as both a deterrent and a punishment for the breach.

The RFU emphasized the importance of compliance with regulations designed to safeguard player welfare. The ImPACT testing forms a critical component of medical minimum standards, ensuring players are fit to compete and protected against undue risk.