Loughborough Lightning have secured the signing of Great Britain Sevens player Alicia Maude ahead of the 2024/25 Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby season.
The 22-year-old has earned 18 World Series caps for England and Team GB and has appeared in a World Cup and Commonwealth Games in the seven-a-side format of the game.
Born in Kingston and raised in the New Forest, Maude gained her introduction to rugby at Ellingham and Ringwood RFC – the same junior club as Red Roses sisters Poppy and Bryony Cleall.
She went on to play for Hartpury College and was picked up by Gloucester-Hartpury before her Sevens journey commenced. Her ability in the 15-a-side format of the game was acknowledged by the Red Roses, as the scrum-half was capped twice at Under-20s level.
Now aged 22, Maude is keen to push on in 15s at Lightning ahead of the 2024/25 season which is followed by the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in August and September. Among the eight host venues in England is cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, where Lightning play their home games.
Maude said: “My aspiration is to play for the Red Roses and I think Loughborough is a great club to do that from. The facilities and the players I will be able to learn from are second to none in my opinion.
“Lightning have done massively well this season and next season I want to help them get to semi-finals and finals. I am massively excited to get going with them.”
The scrum-half is Lightning’s second confirmed new signing ahead of next season following the announcement that US Eagles star Alev Kelter is adding to the backs options next term.
Head coach Nathan Smith said: “Alicia has been playing Sevens for the past couple of years but prior to that she was a high-potential nine in the country. She is exactly the sort of player that we want to sign in terms of she is high potential, she is hard working and is an abrasive nine that we are after to strengthen our squad.
“Alicia will add some great competition for MJ (Meg Davey) and Lucy Weaver. I have spoken to many coaches about high potential nines across the country and Alicia’s name has featured prominently, we are fortunate enough to get her across the line.”
Loughborough Lightning season tickets for the 2024/25 season are available now from just £40* for adults and £20* children, click HERE for more information.
With thanks to Loughborough Lightning
