'It’s been a learning curve at times': Maude re-signs with Lightning after breakthrough campaign

Alicia Maude is the latest player to re-sign with Loughborough Lightning after a breakthrough season with the Premiership Women’s Rugby club.

The 24-year-old has largely been a rugby sevens specialist at the start of her senior career and only made two Loughborough appearances in the 2024/25 season as she balanced time with GB Sevens.

In 2025/26 the scrum-half was a mainstay of Nathan Smith’s team and took part in all 16 league matches as the side finished sixth overall in the PWR table.

Maude said: “This has been my first proper season back playing 15s. I’ve spent seven a few years playing sevens, so I’ve enjoyed getting back into swinging things.

“I’ve enjoyed playing a lot; it’s been a learning curve at times and easing myself back into the way things are done on a 15s pitch, but I’ve absolutely loved playing every week in competitive and tight games as well.

“I’m looking forward to taking everything I’ve learnt from this season into next year and keep building on the performances.

“The game time I’ve had has been very enjoyable this year; it has challenged my game awareness and game management. I’m used to sevens being a very quick pace, and trying anything from anywhere, whereas I’m learning to be a bit more patient.”

Helena Rowland, Sadia Kabeya, Daisy Hibbert Jones, Carmela Morrall, Megan Davey, Mae Sagapolu, Keevy Fitzpatrick and Amelia Williams have also signed new contracts at cinch Stadium @ Franklin’s Gardens ahead of next season.

The club has also announced the arrival of Canada internationals Pamphinette Buisa, Chloe Daniels, Brooke Rempel, Kiki Idowu and Rachel Smith.

Nathan Smith, Loughborough Lightning head coach, said: “Lis made a big decision at the start of the 2025/26 season to step away from the full-time sevens programme and commit to her 15s career.

“I think we have seen the best of Lis because of that commitment, especially in the first half of the season. She has retained her instinct in attack and willingness to find space on the pitch from her time in Sevens, and has really grown as a 15s player during the course of the season. I look forward to seeing what further strides she can make this season in what is a very competitive position for us.”