Lutui pledges future to 'special club' after breakthrough Loughborough campaign

After a breakthrough season England international Haineala Lutui has signed a new multi-year contract with club side Loughborough Lightning.

The 19-year-old back-row and lock made her senior Lightning debut last August in the PWR: The Cup, and made her league debut against Harlequins in October’s 2025/26 season opener.

Across the PWR season, Lutui carried the ball more than any other player [247 times] and finished second in the stats charts for gain-line carries behind her club teammate Alev Kelter.

Club form caught the eye of England Red Roses boss John Mitchell, who called Lutui into his Guinness Women’s Six Nations squad and handed the teenager her senior international debut against Ireland in the Championship opener at Allianz Stadium.

This season Lutui was named Loughborough’s Young Player of the season and PWR Breakthrough Player of the Season.

“I’ve really enjoyed my journey at Loughborough Lightning so far,” Lutui said. “Being surrounded by such a supportive group of coaches and teammates has helped me grow both on and off the field, and I’ve made some amazing friendships along the way. Looking back to when I first arrived, I can really see how much I’ve developed as a player and as a person.

“The environment at Loughborough has constantly pushed me to improve and challenge myself, while also giving me the confidence to express myself as a player. I get the opportunity to play alongside amazing players such as Sadia Kabeya, Daisy Hibbert-Jones and Lilli Ives Campion, which has helped me improve my own game. I’m really grateful to be part of such a special club.”

Lutui is the fourth England international to have pledged her long-term future to Loughborough after Sadia Kabeya, Helena Rowland and Daisy Hibbert-Jones.

It has been a remarkable coming of age story for Lutui, just 444 days after her first BUCS Super Rugby appearance for Loughborough University was making her Test rugby debut.

Nathan Smith, Loughborough Lightning head coach, said: “What Haineala achieved in the 2025/26 season is nothing short of remarkable. She deserves enormous credit for what she has accomplished.

“She has gone from a university player to breaking into a World Cup-winning Red Roses side in little over a year. What’s even more exciting is that she is extremely coachable, and we’re only scratching the surface of what she can go on to achieve.

“For all young players within the pathway at Loughborough — and for prospective players who may join in the future — she, alongside the likes of Lilli Ives Campion, represents what can be achieved here. We can develop players to compete at elite university level, thrive in the PWR, and play for their countries on the international stage.”