Loughborough Lightning’s Breakthrough Award winner for the 2024/25 season, Kendall Waudby, has committed her future to the club.
Waudby appeared in all 16 of Lightning’s Premiership Women’s Rugby games and both PWR Up Series friendly fixtures that preceeded the league campaign.
The 22-year-old made the switch from hooker to back row with aplomb, starting eight consecutive games from openside and making an impact as replacement in Lightning’s subsequent fixtures.
Waudby (#110) made her Lightning debut back in September 2022 from the bench against Wasps and her first start came the following month against Sale Sharks, an occasion she marked with a maiden senior try in a 39-14 victory.
Her ferocious defence and industry saw her top PWR’s individual player tackle count at the season’s midway point and she played a pivotal role from the bench in Lightning’s final round victory over Trailfinders Women at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
Waudby has now signed a new contract extended her stay into a fourth season in an African Violet shirt.
She said: ”I’ve been in and around the Lightning pathway since moving here at 16 and I feel as if now I’m starting to fully establish myself as a player. I think the group of girls we have here are amazing and the cohesion is next to nothing.
“I feel we’re building something really exciting and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve going into next season.
“After transitioning from hooker to flanker, I’m happy with the way I performed this season and grateful for the opportunities Nathan [Smith, head coach] gave me, even if sometimes he does try get me back in the front row. Having experience in both positions has its perks!
“As a club we finished the season on a great note, showcasing the type of rugby Lightning like to play. That was evident when we got our first ever win against Saracens and put out a great performance against Bears.
“I hope to continue to improve myself as a back row player, working alongside some of the best back row in the league. I’d really like to see us start the next season the way we finished this one and chase the top four position we unfortunately missed out on this season.”
The former England U20 international has also been a prominent player for Loughborough University in BUCS Super Rugby. She scored a try in last season’s final defeat and has played a key role in an unbeaten home campaign this term, and is in contention to feature against Cardiff in this year’s quarter-finals on 19 March.
“Kendall has mixed it with some of the best players in the world this season and come out on top,” said Lightning head coach, Nathan Smith.
“We started the season without Sadia Kabeya and openside flanker is a tough position to step into and during that period, Kendall really showed what she is about.
“Kendall was thoroughly deserved of our Breakthrough award winner, the challenge for her next season is to keep on improving and keep on moving forward with her game which I know she is going to do.”
With thanks to Loughborough Lightning
