LEIA BREBNER-HOLDEN AND BECKY BOYD SIGN NEW LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING CONTRACT

Loughborough Lightning have re-signed Scotland internationals Leia Brebner-Holden and Becky Boyd ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Leia Brebner-Holden was named in Scotland’s Rugby World Cup extended training squad earlier today alongside her Lightning teammates Helen Nelson, Anne Young, Elis Martin and Becky Boyd.

Brebner-Holden arrived at Lightning in October 2024 from fellow Premiership Women’s Rugby side Gloucester-Hartpury, and made 12 appearances in the 2024/25 campaign.

The scrum-half made her first-ever PWR start against Exeter Chiefs in January, and followed that up with her maiden league try against Leicester Tigers a week later.

A breakthrough season also saw her make a first Six Nations start, as Brebner-Holden featured in four of Scotland’s five games as she moved to nine senior international caps.

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“The past season has really been an exciting one for me for both Loughborough Lightning and for Scotland,” said Brebner-Holden.

“I’ve really enjoyed the environment at Loughborough and working with so many quality players and coaches, and I feel I have made big steps as both a rugby player and as a person.

“Getting my first PWR start was something I wanted to tick off, and I was pleased to do that at a fantastic venue like cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, in front of our supporters.

“To follow that up with starts in the Six Nations was massive for me. I just want to keep on progressing for club and country, which made the decision for me to stay on at Lightning an easy one.

“I am looking forward to what is ahead and what we can achieve in the 2025/26 season.”

Lightning head coach Nathan Smith added: “We are really happy with Leia’s growth and development.

“Her performances have really improved and she’s gained confidence as the season progressed. I am really looking forward to seeing where she is at the end of next year.

“I think she’s had some exceptional performances in the Six Nations and we are hoping she has a great World Cup and comes back to us full of confidence.”

Second/back row Boyd was earlier today named in the Scotland extended training squad for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, alongside her club colleagues Leia Brebner-Holden, Helen Nelson, Anne Young and Elis Martin.

Boyd, 21, has enjoyed an incredible breakthrough campaign, featuring in eight Premiership Women’s Rugby games before being called up into Scotland’s squad ahead of the Guinness Six Nations.

The former age-grade England international, who qualifies for Byron Easson’s squad through her grandfather, made her debut against France before adding further caps against Italy and England.

“I am really happy to extend my contract with Lightning,” said Boyd. “I feel like I’ve really progressed with my game this season and to feature in the Six Nations was a special feeling and something I want to chase after and experience more.

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“The way we ended last season also fills me with optimism that we can kick on in 2025/26 and give our supporters at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens even more to cheer about.”

Boyd follows the likes of Krissy Scurfield, Sadia Kabeya, Lilli Ives Campion, Bo Westcombe-Evans, Kendall Waudby and Meg Davey in signing new deals.

Head coach Nathan Smith was delighted to add the Grimsby-born forward to that list.

“Becky has had an outstanding year and I am delighted that has been rewarded on the international stage and I look forward to seeing her perform in the Rugby World Cup,” said Smith.

“Becky is a high-potential player and has a desire to improve and get better, and I am delighted that she will continue to do that here with us at Loughborough Lightning.”