Taylor to guide Lightning defence after Sale exit

Rachel Taylor won 67 Wales caps before moving into coaching when her playing days ended

Former Sale Sharks women's head coach Rachel Taylor will join Loughborough Lightning to guide their defence for the 2025-26 season.

The ex-Wales back five forward saw Sale win only once as they finished bottom of the English Premiership in 2024-25.

Taylor, 41, announced her decision to step down from that role before the campaign ended with Tom Hudson later brought in as her successor.

"I tried my hand at being a head coach which I thoroughly enjoyed, but I still feel I have a lot to explore and develop as a coach," said Taylor.

"I feel this environment will encourage and support me to do that."

Lightning head coach Nathan Smith said Taylor "came with fresh ideas and a determination to improve and to be a success within the team".

He added: "I feel the areas in which she will focus on are areas we need improvement on and I am looking forward to working with her."