'Devastating' Bermudez signs on for more with Loughborough

Canada wing Fancy Bermudez claimed she had found a “sense of family” upon re-signing for Premiership Women’s Rugby club Loughborough Lightning.

The 24-year-old made 12 appearances in her first season with the East Midlanders and scored 12 tries. Loughborough finished sixth in the PWR table and enjoyed a bright start to the campaign.

Bermudez also spent chunks of the season with Canada Women’s Sevens and competed in HSBC SVNS Series and World Championship competitions.

“My main reason for re-signing was the culture and this environment,” Bermudez said. “It has been so refreshing for me; I’ve only been on a select few teams that have given me a sense of family.

“It’s an environment that has really helped me grow as a player without the stress of getting something wrong or making a mistake. That’s the type of environment I thrive in, and I feel really proud to represent this club.

“That’s one of the best parts of the Loughborough programme: working so closely with the BUCS team, having different levels and styles of rugby players train together. That’s also what really adds to our culture and team environment.

“There’s a really good chunk of talent coming through Loughborough. It’s exciting, and a big shoutout to the way we performed this year. I’ve heard from multiple people that our team culture really shines through — you can tell from the outside looking in, and that’s something super special.”

Bermudez will be one of six Canadians plying their trade in African Violet next season. Head coach, Nathan Smith, spent the Pacific Four Series with Canada’s national team as an assistant coach and recruited Pamphinette Buisa, Chloe Daniels, Brooke Rempel, Kiki Idowu and Rachel Smith for the 2026/27 campaign.

The wing has joined Helena Rowland, Sadia Kabeya, Daisy Hibbert-Jones, Carmela Morrall, Megan Davey, Mae Sagapolu, Keevy Fitzpatrick and Amelia Williams, in re-signing for the club.

Nathan Smith, Lightning head coach , said: “Fancy has come in with a great attitude and enjoyed a strong first season for us. I am pleased she has re-signed, as I think there’s still so much more to come from her game and her impact on the side.

“She can be a devastating ball-carrier and grafts in defence too — two qualities that are key in PWR — and I am looking forward to where she can take her game next season.”