Loughborough Lightning have confirmed the re-signings of six more players ahead of the start of the 2023/24 Premiership Women’s Rugby season.
Megan Davey, Jess Weaver, Sara Svoboda, Phoebe Andrews, Jessica Panayiotou and Maja Meuller have all agreed new deals to remain in African Violet for the foreseeable future.
Scrum-half Davey, aged 23, is the longest-serving of the six players who have signed on for another season with the Club, having made her debut nearly six years ago away at Richmond. She has since clocked up 73 appearances in seven seasons, scoring nine tries.
Another number nine in Weaver is entering her sixth season in a Loughborough shirt, and the 23-year-old is closing in on a half-century of appearances after making her 46th outing in last weekend’s defeat to Saracens.
Back row Svoboda joined Loughborough in 2020, and the following year represented Canada in the Rugby World Cup. The 28-year-old played in both of her country’s recent matches against the Red Roses, and has been selected for the inaugural WXV tournament in New Zealand this autumn. She has played 34 times for Lightning, scoring five tries.
Andrews, 22, made her Lightning debut in January 2023 against Wasps and was a try scorer in a 62-5 victory. The hooker has featured twice this season already against Gloucester-Hartpury and Saracens.
Prop Panayiotou, 27, made her debut for Lightning in October 2022 and has previously played for Loughborough RFC and Leicester Tigers. She was also a Gill Burns County Championship Division One winner with Leicestershire in 2022.
And Meuller, 25, has gained international honours representing Sweden at both Sevens and 15s. The versatile forward, who can play in the back row or at hooker, joined Lightning in 2020 and has made 36 appearances scoring seven tries.
“I feel really lucky to have these six players re-sign with Lightning for another season,” said Lightning head coach, Nathan Smith.
“They are really key players within our group, whose impact is felt both on and off the pitch.’’
Nathan Smith, Loughborough Lightning head coach
“I am really enjoying working with them all and I look forward to seeing how they develop over the next 12 months in what is an exciting time for the Club.”
These six players join 15 others in re-committing to, or signing for, Lightning ahead of the upcoming Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby season.
For the first time this term, Loughborough’s home league matches will be played at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens – Season Tickets covering all nine games are available now and start from just £60 adult / £45 adult terrace / £25 junior (under-18s).
