Loughborough Lightning have signed two ‘high potential’ age grade England internationals into the senior squad for the 2025/26 season.
Tamsin Baynes and Ashton Adcock, both aged 18, have been training with the Lightning squad this summer ahead of commencing their degree studies in Sports Management and Sports Coaching respectively at Loughborough University.
Both have progressed through the pathway at Loughborough, studying at and playing rugby for Loughborough College where they both travelled to Japan to participate in a Sevens tournament.
Baynes and Adcock, who have represented Leicestershire at county level, participated in the Lightning Centre of Excellence and have been capped by England U18s – as well as aiding their rugby development in the Stowe School Girls’ Residential Camps, run by Northampton Saints in partnership with Loughborough Lightning.
“Tamsin and Ashton are both high potential young rugby players who have already added so much to our environment so far during preseason,” said Lightning Head Coach Nathan Smith.
“Both have been involved in the senior set-up before this season and are using that experience to show maturity beyond their years.
“They are both fine examples of the pathway here at Loughborough and I am excited to see how they progress with us and adapt and grow into senior rugby.”
Nathan Smith, Lightning Head Coach
Second row Baynes, from Leicester, played junior rugby for Lutterworth RFC and Market Harborough RFC. She has shown her leadership qualities by captaining Lightning Centre of Excellence.
Nuneaton-born scrum-half Adcock cut her rugby teeth at Ashby RFC, and has also appeared for Leicester Forest East RFC and Tamworth RFC. She has enjoyed a remarkable summer where she moved to eight England Under-18 caps and was called up into the Under-20 squad, earning her first cap against Scotland.
Both Baynes and Adcock are in contention to feature in Lightning’s first competitive game against Sale Sharks in the PWR Cup at Loughborough University on Saturday 23 August (kick-off: 12pm).
Tickets 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.
