Kelter swaps positions as Loughborough make final semi-final push

USA international Alev Kelter will play at blindside flanker for Loughborough Lightning in their must-win match against Saracens.

A string of injuries have forced the East Midlanders have had to install the Olympic bronze medalist in the back-row for the Round 17 Premiership Women’s Rugby clash on Sunday.

Kelter, 35, started all three of the USA Women’s Eagles’ 2026 Pacific Four Series matches at full-back and is more regularly seen at outside centre for Lightning. She joins England internationals Sadia Kabeya and Haineala Lutui in the back-row.

In the midfield, Kelter’s usual midfield partner, Carmela Morrall, starts her 17th match of the season at inside centre and is partnered by Bulou Mataitoga. Helen Nelson captains the team as Daisy Hibbert-Jones is injured.

Loughborough hold faint hope of making PWR’s semi-finals. Currently seventh in the league with 37 points, bonus point wins against Saracens and Leicester Tigers across the next fortnight, along with results elsewhere, could see the East Midlanders into the knockouts

This weekend’s home fixture will be a final chance for Loughborough fans to see a number of their stars in action. Already 12 players have been confirmed as leaving the club, including seven Scotland internationals.

“There is plenty left for us to play for,” Nathan Smith, Loughborough’s head coach, said. “We want to push as hard as we can to stay in play-off contention, and we want to put on a performance for our fantastic supporters at cinch Stadium.

“We will also be saying goodbye to a group of players after the game who will be leaving us at the end of the season, so we want to create one last memory together here.”

Saracens’ squad sees a return of Sophie de Goede to the starting XV. The reigning World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year’s only PWR start came in October against Gloucester Hartpury.

Her only other domestic appearance came from the bench two months ago as the North Londoners breezed past Sale Sharks at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“I have spent a lot of time watching the league this year rather than playing, so I am excited to get back involved,” De Goede said. “Loughborough are a strong side given they are competing for those play off places, and we know we will have to be at our best to secure an away win before two consecutive home games.”

Director of Rugby, Alex Austerberry, has made six changes to the team that last played in March. This includes a start for Bryony Field with May Campbell injured, while Wales’ Donna Rose is installed at tighthead prop.

Julia Omokhuale moves into the second row with Laetitia Royer, Gabrielle Senft moves to blindside flanker, Marlie Packer starts at openside and De Goede gets the nod at No.8.

Elsewhere Tori Sellers stars at scrum-half with Olivia Apps away with Canada Women’s Sevens at the HSBC SVNS World Championship. Sophie Bridger partners Sydney Gregson in the midfield and Paige Farries is on the wing.

Loughborough Lightning v Harlequins

Loughborough Lightning: Helena Rowland, Fancy Bermudez, Bulou Mataitoga, Carmela Morrall, Bo Westcombe-Evans, Helen Nelson (C), Meg Davey; Isla Curphey, Kathryn Treder, Christine Belisle, Lilli Ives Campion, Becky Boyd, Alev Kelter, Sadia Kabeya, Haineala Lutui

Replacements: Paige Stathopoulos, Amelia Williams, Grace Clifford, Keevy Fitzpatrick, Kaya Acton, Kendall Waudby, Aoibhe Kelly, Lucia Scott

Saracens: Jess Breach, Paige Farries, Sydney Gregson, Sophie Bridger, Lotte Sharp, Zoe Harrison (CC), Tori Sellors; Liz Crake, Bryony Field, Donna Rose, Julia Omokhuale, Laetitia Royer, Gabrielle Senft, Marlie Packer (CC), Sophie de Goede

Replacements: Daisy Fitzgerald, ?Chloe Flanagan, Carmen Tremelling, Jodie Verghese, Georgia Evans, Amelia MacDougall, Emma Hardy, Beth Blacklock