Loughborough Lightning are delighted to announce Daisy Hibbert-Jones as team captain for the 2025/26 season.
The 22-year-old shared leadership duties with Rachel Malcolm during the 2024/25 season, but with the latter moving on to pastures new at the end of the campaign, Hibbert-Jones will proceed now as sole captain for the new term which kicks off on Saturday 23 August (kick-off: 12pm) against Sale Sharks in the PWR Cup at Loughborough University – tickets are available by clicking HERE.
The Birkenhead-born forward was ever-present in the Premiership Women’s Rugby 2024/25 season, and amassed more minutes (1,272) than any other player in the league across the regular season, and only four more players made more than her haul of 194 tackles.
Hibbert-Jones passed the 50-appearance mark for Lightning last term against Gloucester-Hartpury, and has featured in all 28 of Lightning’s last league and cup matches.
“I am immensely proud,” said Hibbert-Hones. “I have been at Loughborough for three seasons so it feels like I have been catapulted into this quite quickly.
“As a 22-year-old there is pressure and it does feel like a slightly daunting thing, but I am excited for the opportunity. I am definitely not the finished product but I know I am going to learn a lot.
“I am surrounded by an incredible group of leaders like Helen Nelson and Emily Scarratt, who are going to help me massively. We have got those people who have had those experiences I’ve not had yet.
“I think it’s really exciting that we have got that group of leaders who can support me and help make my job easier this season.”
Daisy Hibbert-Jones
The Red Roses came calling for her services in the 2023 WXV, when she arrived as a replacement for injured club-mate Sadia Kabeya and made her senior international debut against Australia.
Hibbert-Jones is a firm fans’ favourite, winning the Lightning Supporters’ Player of the Year Award in both of the past two seasons.
Until recently, Hibbert-Jones worked as a coach for Northampton Saints Community, before taking up a new role as forwards and defence coach for Moulton College ACE team.
“Daisy was the stand-out option for us to lead Lightning for the 2025/26 season,” said Lightning Head Coach Nathan Smith. “She will be the first to acknowledge the role Rachel Malcolm played in helping her develop as a leader in the co-captaincy role.
“Now the time is right for Daisy to stand alone as a leader. She has earned that right. Her commitment and dedication to her rugby career and driving the behaviours and standards we set here at Loughborough Lightning are second to none.”
Nathan Smith, Lightning Head Coach
“She might only be 22 years of age, but she has packed so much into those years and has been a constant presence during my time with the club. I look forward to seeing her grow even more as a leader and as a rugby player this season.”
Lightning’s vice-captains will be appointed on a match-by-match basis. Hibbert-Jones’ first match as the appointed Lightning captain is set to be the PWR Cup contest with Sale Sharks at Loughborough University on Saturday 23 August (kick-off: 12pm).
Tickets for Lightning versus Sale Sharks are available priced from just £10 (adult 18+), £8 (concession), £5 (junior 11-17) and £3 (child 3-10). All children under the age of three can attend free of charge. To purchase tickets, click HERE.
Loughborough Lightning 2025/26 Season Tickets are still available HERE, priced* from just £65 (adult) and £30 juniors.
*Season Ticket prices are subject to a booking fee of £2.50 per Season Ticket, plus £10 admin fee for Direct Debit.
