John Mitchell's squad, featuring Loughborough-linked athletes Helena Rowland (alumna), Emily Scarratt, and Sadiya Kabeya (current student), duly delivered in front of a crowd of 37,573 at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

The decider lived up the pre-match hype with England’s resolute defence holding off a late fightback from Les Bleues to take the crown.

Elsewhere, Scotland’s squad also had a strong Loughborough presence as Lightning’s Helen Nelson, Elis Martin, Becky Boyd, Anne Young, Christine Belisle, and Leia Brebner-Holden claimed fifth place in the final standings.

For more information on Lightning rugby, visit: www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/womens-rugby