Two-time Olympian Brown among 10 Loughborough Lightning re-signings

GB Sevens captain Abbie Brown is among 10 Loughborough Lightning re-signings ahead of the 2026/27 edition of JAECOO Premiership Women’s Rugby.

Brown, 30, is the second longest serving member of Nathan Smith’s squad at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, although she has only made 15 appearances in African Violet since her October 2020 arrival.

She was selected for the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games, but missed out on 2024 selection with a hamstring injury.

Last season Brown had initially intended to step away from elite rugby sevens but ultimately made her Great Britain return at the HSBC SVNS Series and at all three HSBC SVNS World Championship events.

Smith said: “It is great to have Abbie with us for another year. We know her heart lies in sevens, however, when she is with us, she only adds to the environment with her experience, which is invaluable around the younger players.”

Elsewhere current and former England U20/U21 internationals Amy Layzell, Kaya Acton, Catherine Wells, Ellie Roberts and Molly Luthayi have all penned new deals to stay in the East Midlands. Wales U20 cap Ellie Tromans has also re-signed with the club.

Roberts recently captained Loughborough University to their BUCS Super Rugby Milk Championship triumph in Newport, Wales, and captained England Students in their 63-0 win against the UK Armed Forces in July.

Churchy Knight, who has made one appearance for Loughborough to date, will also be in African Violet next season. There are also new contracts for Polly Peterson and Tiwaah Adjei-Ansere, who have played the majority of their rugby with the Buckingham Swans on a dual-registered basis.

Already this offseason the club have confirmed the retention of England Red Roses Helena Rowland, Sadia Kabeya and Haineala Lutui, and have added six Canada internationals to their ranks too.

Smith said: “We are looking to build a strong core to the squad that remains consistent so we can build, together, year on year.

“Every player in this group of re-signings has a key role to play within the squad, and I expect all of them to be challenging for PWR game time come the start of the season.”