USA international and World Cup star Rachel Ehrecke has joined Loughborough Lightning ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Ehrecke arrives at Lightning off the back of her first Rugby World Cup, where she featured from the bench in the defeat to England and the draw with Australia.
The 23-times capped international back row joins from Denver Onyx following the inaugural season of Women’s Elite Rugby in the USA.
Ehrecke will be linking up at Lightning with five of her fellow USA internationals in Alev Kelter, Kathryn Treder, Bulou Mataitoga, Tahlia Brody, and Keia Mae Sagapolu, who will all be returning to Premiership Women’s Rugby following the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup.
“I’m really excited to have signed with Loughborough Lightning for the upcoming season,” Ehreke said. “They’re a very dynamic side and I love their style of play, so I’m excited to join in with that.”
“I’m excited to join up and be playing with so many of my international teammates; they’re all phenomenal players, so to be able to continue to play alongside them is going to be so much fun, and they’re so excited that I’ll be coming over as well.
“For us as the USA squad, we were gutted that we weren’t able to reach our full potential, but we were so pleased to see just how much the game has grown and how many eyes are on the game, and we’re excited to see that growth continue in England and America.
“I want to make a huge impact with the team. This is a massive opportunity for me to continue to improve my game.”
Ehrecke started playing rugby at 16 whilst at high school and went on to a four-year collegiate career at Penn State University, where she earned league MVP honours and won three National Championships.
She made her international debut in November 2021 against North American rivals Canada during the Pacific Four Series.
On her aspirations for the upcoming season, she added: “There’s going to be a new head coach coming in for the USA, so I want to continue to sharpen my game and impress there, but also, I want to make sure I put my best foot forward for Loughborough.
“I’m hoping to bring my work ethic, you’ll never see me give up on the pitch, I’ll chase for every ball. I’m also hoping to bring my lineout skillset, which I think is a strength in my game and bring that to the forward pack.
“I’m super excited to return to play in England and play in the PWR. I had the opportunity to play here a few years ago, but now I just can’t wait to be back playing in this brilliant league.”
Ehrecke is Lightning’s latest summer signing following fellow Americans Sagapolu and Brody, Scotland international fullback Lucia Scott from defending PWR champions Gloucester-Hartpury and the England age-grade internationals Ashton Adcock and Tamsin Baynes.
Lightning have also locked in the likes of Red Roses internationals Sadia Kabeya, Lilli Ives Campion and Bo Westcombe-Evans on new deals, as well a clutch of Scotland players who featured in the Rugby World Cup, including Helen Nelson and Leia Brebner-Holden.
On signing Ehrecke, head coach Nathan Smith said: “We’re incredibly pleased to have Rachel on board for this season, adding to our large contingent of international quality players.“She brings a lot of experience but also an eagerness and desire to continue to improve her game, and we can’t wait to get her on board and firing with the squad.”
With thanks to Loughborough Lightning
