Loughborough BUCS Super Rugby Head Coach Matt Campbell has been promoted to Lightning performance coach, focusing on backs and attack. Campbell, who has previously coached at Edinburgh University men’s and women’s sides, joined Loughborough in 2024 and, earlier this year, went on to lead Loughborough University to a first Women’s BUCS Super Rugby title in
Prolific try-scoring hooker Kathryn Treder has signed a new contract to remain with Loughborough Lightning. Since arriving from Darlington Mowden Park in 2023, the USA international has scored 24 tries in 43 appearances in the African Violet, the majority being off the back of dominant rolling mauls set up perfectly by her laser-accurate throwing, finishing
Loughborough Lightning have announced a Development Group that will bolster the squad during preseason and the JAECOO PWR Next Gen Cup 2026/27 period. The 11-strong group of current Loughborough University players will gain vital senior rugby experience in the early months of the season, during a period when Lightning have a large number of senior
Loughborough Lightning can today confirm that 12 Loughborough University players will step up from BUCS Super Rugby into the senior Lightning environment for the 2026/27 season. These agreements will see Ashton Adcock, Ella Barnes, Alice Bennett, Izzy Clist, Emily Heaps, Lilly Hickey, Aoibhe Kelly, Freya MacColl, Imogen Mockford, Alice Redfern, Sasha Roberts, and Harli Stanton
Loughborough Lightning have today confirmed that Bulou Mataitoga and Lucy Finch have left the club. Lightning players #99 and #135, respectively, Mataitoga and Finch, made a combined 71 appearances in African Violet. “Baz and Lucy have been brilliant for this club in their own respective ways,” said Lightning Head Coach Nathan Smith. “Baz brought a
Loughborough Lightning are delighted to confirm that a further ten senior players have extended their contracts ahead of the 2026/27 Jaecoo PWR season. It has been a busy off-season for the African Violets, with 12 new deals for existing players and six new signings announced so far this summer. Ahead of the squad reporting back
Loughborough Lightning are delighted to announce the signing of Canadian centre Flo Symonds ahead of the 2026/27 Jaecoo PWR season. The 24 year old started at outside centre for the Canucks in their 2025 Rugby World Cup Final defeat to England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, last September. Symonds has earned 18 caps for her country
Loughborough Lightning have locked in Red Roses international and Premiership Women’s Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Season, Haineala Lutui, on a new multi‑year contract. The 19‑year‑old enjoyed a remarkable first full season in senior rugby, making her Lightning debut in August 2025 in PWR: The Cup before earning her league bow against Harlequins a month
Hooker Lucy Calladine has put pen to paper on a new Loughborough Lightning contract, committing the England U21 international to the club. Calladine has made 16 appearances for Lightning, having proven herself as another excellent product of the player development pathway at Loughborough University and BUCS Super Rugby. The 2025/26 campaign is the third that
Loughborough Lightning and England lock Cath O’Donnell has announced her retirement from rugby at the age of 30. O’Donnell began her rugby journey in her hometown of Maryport, Cumbria, before going on to represent the University of Liverpool, where she was named Athlete of the Year in 2016. During this period, she also played for
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