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
Blair Baxter has been announced as the Black Ferns XV Head Coach for 2026-2027 alongside a trio of Black Ferns greats in Assistant Coaches Kelly Brazier, Carla Hohepa and Charmaine McMenamin. Matatū Head Coach Baxter will lead the Black Ferns XV 2026 high-performance campaign including a match against the Black Ferns on 14 August, and
Harlequins Women have confirmed the arrival of exciting young back Eva Sterritt. The talented youngster, who can play on the wing or at centre arrives having been part of the Exeter Chiefs U23s squad, whilst also captaining Exeter University’s BUCS Super Rugby side, as they reached the semi-finals. Sterritt has represented Ireland at age-grade level
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
Harlequins Women have confirmed the signing of Italian international Sara Mannini. Centre Mannini made her senior international debut against Japan in 2024 having represented her country at U18 and U20 level. Mannini was named in the Italian squad that played in the 2025 Rugby World Cup and featured in every game for her country during
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
Black Ferns co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu will be sidelined for the 2026 Test season after sustaining a hamstring injury while playing for Chiefs Manawa against Hurricanes Poua on 27 June. Following specialist assessment, the injury was confirmed as a hamstring tear requiring surgical repair. Tukuafu will undergo surgery this week before beginning her recovery and rehabilitation.
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
Loughborough Lighting today confirm that USA internationals Tahlia Brody and Rachel Ehrecke will leave the Club at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season. Lightning players #152 and #153, respectively, Brody and Ehrecke both signed for Lightning ahead of the 2025/26 PWR season following the conclusion of their involvement in the Rugby World Cup 2025 for
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