'There’s still more to come': Lightning's Westcombe Evans

Loughborough Lightning wing Bo Westcombe Evans has told people to expect more from her after a Round 14 hat-trick against Harlequins.

The 23-year-old’s efforts helped Nathan Smith’s team to a 43-33 win over the West Londoners and put the East Midland team firmly back in the race for Premiership Women’s Rugby‘s top four.

A winner of two England caps before an ACL injury kept her out of action for the 2024/25 season, Westcombe Evans has now registered eight tries for her club this season and taken her Lightning tally to 42 tries in 59 appearances.

With the Red Roses confirming their Guinness Women’s Six Nations squad this Friday, her form may have come at the perfect time as John Mitchell, the world champion’s head coach, refines his selections.

“I definitely think there’s still more to come,” Westcombe Evans told Loughborough Lightning. “I was out for a year and this is my first season back, and I definitely think there are aspects of my game that are coming together.

“I am coming back to the player I was before my injury. I’ve just got to keep building each week, getting better, getting faster.

“I always go out there wanting to play the best game possible. My team gave me some great go forward to attack the space on the wing, so without them I wouldn’t be able to score the tries that I did. Big credit to everyone playing for Lightning in the win.”

Victory in Round 14 handed the East Midlanders their first win since December and ended a torrid period for the side, which has included losses to Gloucester Hartpury, Exeter Chiefs, Bristol Bears and Sale Sharks.

Westcombe Evans’ tries showcased the 23-year-old’s talent perfectly beneath the Friday night lights at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.

This included her assist for Lis Maude off the back of a 50 metre break and a grubber kick past Ellie Kildunne before the scrum-half finished the job.

Daisy Hibbert-Jones, Christine Belisle and Carmela Morrall were also try scorers on Friday. The bonus point win means that Loughborough are now five points behind fourth-place Harlequins and have matches against Gloucester Hartpury and Trailfinders Women still to come in March.

A mainstay of the Loughborough squad this season, Westcombe Evans believed that the key to her team’s win was the commitment to their approach.

“There has been a big emphasis on believing in ourselves and focusing on our process rather than the other team,” Westcombe Evans said.

“I really think that’s something we did today. We played our game, played edge to edge, and it really worked for us. We got some great success from it.”