Hooker Lucy Calladine has put pen to paper on a new Loughborough Lightning contract, committing the England U21 international to the club.
Calladine has made 16 appearances for Lightning, having proven herself as another excellent product of the player development pathway at Loughborough University and BUCS Super Rugby.
The 2025/26 campaign is the third that hooker Calladine has been involved in the senior set-up, scoring seven tries in ten appearances before an ACL and meniscus injury cruelly cut her season short.
“The opportunity for young players at Loughborough is amazing,” she said. “Nathan [Smith, head coach] really drives on that, and obviously I’ve made friends for life here, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
“My first year as a part of the Lightning squad, I probably lacked a bit of confidence. But I’ve come on a lot since then, and at the start of the season, I felt in a good place, and obviously, the injury has been difficult, and I can’t wait to keep improving when I come back.
“I want to get back to the form I was in before my injury, being a regular starter in the PWR and get game time.
“My game has developed so much from being around experienced internationals in the pack, and in my position, both on pitch but also off pitch, how they hold themselves, making my game as professional as it can be.
“All of the coaches are so supportive and there whenever you need them. Nathan loves his detail with the forwards, and as a hooker, he loves to spend time with me and refine my throwing technique, which definitely helps and brings such passion as well.”
Calladine became Lightning player #122 when she made her debut against Sale Sharks in the PWR Cup in April 2024 – an occasion she marked with a try. She also scored twice on her first PWR start in the October 2024 loss to Bristol Bears at Franklin’s Gardens.
The 21-year-old, who started her rugby journey at Burton RFC and has since gone on to represent England at both U18s and U20s is currently in her second year of a coaching and teaching degree and is one of the many Lightning players who has benefited from playing opportunities with Loughborough University in BUCS Super Rugby.
“The BUCS pathway is unbelievable,” added Calladine. “There are so many examples of players who have come through it. Ala [Lutui] is one currently who has gone from BUCS to Red Roses caps in less than a year; it’s a testament to the pathway and the coaches involved.
“The Lightning and BUCS programmes are so closely aligned that we all train together, and it’s a one-team mentality.
“I love how this team pushes each other and develops because we are just getting better and better. I love being in a team that works for one another, that plays a brand of fun and exciting rugby.
“I also like how we’re a young team. Yes, we have experienced internationals, but there are a lot of girls coming through who can still strive and improve.
“I want to thank my parents, they’re the reason I’m in the position that I am, especially my dad, driving me around the country and then also coaches along the way. Benny Williams was a massive help for me and still pushes and checks up on me.”
Calladine’s leadership qualities have been identified by club and country. In the summer of 2025, the hooker captained England in the Under-20 Six Nations Summer Festival and was voted as her country’s Most Valuable Player.
She was also vice-captain for three of Lightning’s four 2025/26 PWR: The Cup games – a period during which she added three tries to her career tally.
“Lucy is an excellent prospect for us,” added Head Coach Nathan Smith on Calladine’s re-signing.
“She brings an excellent level of maturity to her game for such a young age, and that’s a testament to her work effort and dedication to improving both on and off the field.
“Her injury this season came at a difficult time, but I have no doubt that she will bounce back to even greater heights upon her return.
“It’s incredibly pleasing to see young players like her come through the BUCS pathway and into the senior set-up and prove themselves on the biggest stages, and I have no doubt she’ll go on to even bigger things.”
Calladine’s fine early season Cup form extended into the PWR campaign, where she started four of the first six games, crossing the line on four occasions before suffering her season-ending injury.
“I am delighted to re-sign Lucy,” said Smith. “She earned the right to be out starting hooker in the opening months of the season and proved she was a PWR level player. Her physicality in the carry, her setpiece work and her leadership really shone through.
“Injuries are part and parcel of elite level sport, but I was particularly disappointed for Lucy because she was on track for a very special season for us. I believe her future is extremely bright and I am looking forward to seeing her back in African Violent, but also pushing for further Red Roses honours in the not-so-distant future.”
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