Following the confirmation that Sarah Hunter will join Loughborough Lightning Rugby as Player-Coach, Lightning are delighted to unveil a further six England internationals ahead of the season opener on Saturday.
Leading the way is England Sevens international Olivia Jones, who joins Lightning having come through the England U20 ranks before graduating to the senior setup. Commencing her MSc in Sports Management at Loughborough University later this month, Jones will add quality to the Lightning back-row.
Of her move Jones commented: “The opportunity for me to come and study, train full-time and play at Loughborough is a special one, and one that I couldn’t turn down. I can’t wait to get the season underway.”
On the signing Head Coach Rhys Edwards added: “Having worked with Olivia for two years at Cardiff Met, it’s really pleasing to see her develop into an international athlete. Olivia is going to be an excellent addition to the squad this year, and I’m very excited to see her grow further playing in the Tyrrells Premier 15s.”
Another England Sevens player to join the side in purple is Celia Quansah, who has come on leaps and bounds since her talent transfer from heptathlon. An undergraduate at Loughborough College, Quansah is one of four student players named in the England Sevens squad for 2017/18.
Following the Sevens theme, youngsters Lucy Nye and Becky Noon join Lightning having come through the England U20 programme, with Nye also getting a taste of the Sevens World Series. Nye is a Loughborough student, whilst Noon is currently doing a Strength and Conditioning Internship at Nottingham Forest FC.
Katie Trevarthen is another welcome addition, again having coming through the England U20 ranks, whilst Scarlett Cooper-Wall is also a former England U20 player and former Loughborough Students Women’s Rugby Football Club Chair. Both will benefit hugely from the step up to Premier 15 Rugby, with Trevarthen allowed further opportunities as part of the England Development Squad.
The full Loughborough Lightning squad will be released on Thursday 14th September.
Loughborough Lightning kick-start their season on home turf on Saturday 16th September as part of their double header event with Loughborough Students Rugby National One side. Be part of the action by heading down to campus to witness the start of their campaign.
Report courtesy of Loughborough University
