Loughborough Lightning Rugby can today confirm that England star Meg Jones has been added to their squad for the 2017/18 Tyrrell’s Premier 15s season.
Jones, who played her part in England’s runner-up finish at the recent World Cup, is on a full-time professional England 7s contract, so will play for Lightning in between HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series rounds.
A Loughborough student, Jones was a traveling reserve for Team GB at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, despite being just 19 years of age at the time. One year on Jones has matured into a fine young player in both formats of the game, starting at outside centre in the World Cup final having scored a great try in the semi-final victory over France.
Despite not being available every week due to England 7s duties, Jones is a welcome addition to the new-look Lightning squad.
Of her move Jones commented: “I’m honoured to have signed with this exciting Loughborough team for the 2017/18 Tyrrell’s Premier 15s season and I can’t wait to see this new premier league expand. I genuinely believe this is the start of something special for women’s rugby in the UK and look forward to being part of it.”
Of his latest signing Head Coach Rhys Edwards commented: “Meg is clearly a big impact player and her quality and persona are both great additions to our every growing Lightning squad. Her versatility as both a 7s and 15s player will definitely help, both on the training pitch and come game day.
“A Loughborough student, the move makes perfect sense, and hopefully we can help Meg to take that next step and become one of the stars of international rugby.”
Lightning are back in action at home this Saturday (30th September) against Harlequins Ladies in a noon kick-off. The game will again form a double header with LSRFC men’s team taking on Plymouth Albion in National One at 3pm.
Report courtesy of Loughborough University
