Loughborough Lightning can today announce that Canada international winger Fancy Bermudez has re-signed with the club.
Bermudez signed for Lightning ahead of the 2025/26 Premiership Women’s Rugby season and went on to make 12 appearances in the African Violet and scored two tries, including a crucial score to secure the 29-29 draw against Trailfinders in December.
“My main reason for re-signing was the culture and this environment,” said Bermudez. “It has been so refreshing for me; I’ve only been on a select few teams that have given me a sense of family.
“It's an environment that has really helped me grow as a player without the stress of getting something wrong or making a mistake.
“That’s one of the best parts of the Loughborough programme: working so closely with the BUCS team, having different levels and styles of rugby players train together. That’s also what really adds to our culture and team environment.
“There’s a really good chunk of talent coming through Loughborough. It’s exciting, and a big shout‑out to the way we performed this year. I’ve heard from multiple people that our team culture really shines through — you can tell from the outside looking in, and that’s something super special.”
The Edmonton‑born outside back played a starring role in Canada’s run to the 7s final at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, and was also part of the squad that finished second in the table before being selected for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in 15s — where she added another silver medal as the Maple Leafs reached the final, only to be edged out by England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.
Bermudez has been a standout on the international 7s circuit for several seasons and also boasts strong 15s pedigree, having previously played for Saracens in the PWR. She made her Canada debut in 2023 against South Africa, scoring a hat‑trick.
And for the 2026/27 season, Lightning will have even more Canadian influence, with Bermudez set to be joined by five new compatriots.
“I’m super grateful we’ve got a bunch of Canadians coming,” she added. “It’s going to be so exciting. I’m happy to not be the only one!
“This year I was the only Canadian, and I feel like Loughborough has always had at least one. Now there’s going to be six. Nathan going over and helping coach Canada was a cool experience — he got a front‑row view of what it’s like to be in the Canada camp, how hard we work, and how talented our players are. So coming back from that and recruiting five Canadians is a big compliment.”
While Lightning ultimately missed out on the PWR play‑offs, Bermudez is determined to push on in 2026/27.
“It’s bittersweet in a way,” she continued. “We can be so proud of all the performances we had this year. If two or three games had gone differently, we would have been in a semi‑final.
“It’s something to be incredibly proud of, and the fact we feel disappointed says a lot about our belief that we can be a top‑four team. I want to continue that momentum into next year — we have the fire under us to take those opportunities and get into the top four.
“My biggest goal is to do everything I can and play as hard as possible to shoot for the top four, because I don’t think it’s out of reach.
“It’s such a positive and passionate group of coaches. They all work really well together, and every coach puts their all into every session to make us better.
“Having Scaz [Emily Scarratt], one of the most world‑class players, as your direct backs coach has been the coolest thing and has done a lot for my rugby.
“They’re intense because they love this group and this team. They’re passionate about us and they want to win — and that bleeds through into the whole squad.”
Bermudez’s re‑signing follows previous announcements that Helena Rowland, Sadia Kabeya, Daisy Hibbert‑Jones, Carmela Morrall, Megan Davey, Mae Sagapolu, Keevy Fitzpatrick and Amelia Williams have all recommitted to the club ahead of next season — with more announcements to follow in the coming weeks and months.
On her re‑signing, Lightning Head Coach Nathan Smith said: “Fancy has come in with a great attitude and enjoyed a strong first season for us. I am pleased she has re‑signed, as I think there’s still so much more to come from her game and her impact on the side.
“She can be a devastating ball‑carrier and grafts in defence too — two qualities that are key in PWR — and I am looking forward to where she can take her game next season.”
Loughborough Lightning 2026/27 Season Tickets are now on sale priced from £70 adult and £25 child. To purchase yours or for more information, please click HERE.