Loughborough call on international experience as injury cover

USA Women’s Eagles hooker Paige Stathopoulos has joined Loughborough Lightning as injury cover.

The 32-year-old has won 18 caps since her Test debut in 2023. She has prior Premiership Women’s Rugby experience after spending the latter end of 2024/25 with Trailfinders Women ahead of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

At the Women’s Rugby World Cup, Stathopoulos featured in all three of the USA’s pool matches as a replacement for her new Loughborough teammate, Kathryn Treder.

The need to sign Stathopoulos has come after a Lucy Calladine sustained a serious knee injury and Elis Martin’s rehabilitation from surgery continues.

“I am pleased to bring in a player with international experience who also knows what this league is all about and what it requires,” Nathan Smith, Lightning head coach, said.

“It’s a great opportunity for Paige to return to playing in PWR, and her fellow Americans here at Lightning spoke highly of her. We’re glad to have Paige in the environment.”

There is particular heartbreak for Calladine, who was in the midst of a breakthrough season for Lighting. The England Under-20 international has featured in 10 games in PWR and the PWR Cup competition this season, and scored seven tries.

“We’re gutted for Lucy to pick up this kind of injury, especially with the kind of season she’s had so far,” he said.

“Lucy has made huge strides as a rugby player and I know she will tackle her rehabilitation head on, with the support of the Club, and come back better and stronger than ever.”

The East Midlanders have also confirmed the departure of Ellen Scantlebury with immediate effect following her relocation away from the region. She scored seven tries in 22 appearances for the club.