Loughborough Lightning today announce that World Cup winning fly-half, Helena Rowland, has penned a new multi-year contract to remain at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
The 26-year-old has made Lightning her home since joining in 2020, making 53 appearances and scoring 283 points to date for the African Violets – second only in the club’s all-time top point scorers’ list to Emily Scarratt (305).
Shortly after joining Lightning, Rowland made her Red Roses debut as a replacement against Italy as England secured the delayed 2020 Women’s Six Nations title.
She has remained a consistent member in England squads, winning multiple Six Nations titles and earned her 46th and most recent cap as a replacement during the 2025 Rugby World Cup Final triumph over Canada – which also extended her remarkable 100% winning streak for her country.
Due to the extended break between the 2024/25 and 2025/26 Premiership Women’s Rugby seasons, and undergoing ankle surgery after her World Cup triumph, Rowland was absent from Lightning action for more than a year.
Her return after 54 weeks away from club action came during last weekend’s trip to face Sale Sharks, where she played 65 minutes for the first time since the final.
“I can’t wait to be back playing more consistently with the group,” the versatile back said. “They’ve played some really good rugby this year, and I can't wait to be a part of that.
“Over the last few years, we’ve been building a lot, seeing just how well we performed from the outset this year, and there’s so much potential in the players coming through. We’ve got a lot of U20s, which is really exciting.
“There’s a lot of unfinished business in terms of getting into the top four and really challenging up there. So it’s an exciting prospect to stay and hopefully this year, and in the coming years, we can really challenge that top four and try and make our way into the final.
“Part of what makes Lightning special is that you have everyone from university students to seasoned internationals, all in the same place, which makes us a really close-knit group. It’s so easy to socialise outside of rugby, and it’s a really exciting young group. There’s so much talent, and hopefully this group can stay together going forward, and we can make a team that’s pretty unbeatable.”
During her period out of action, Rowland has been kept busy completing her Masters in Physiology and Nutrition of Sport and Exercise at Loughborough University, having previously graduated with an undergraduate degree in Sports Science.
“Loughborough University are incredibly accommodating,” Rowland continued. “They’ve obviously got a lot of elite athletes here studying as well. It was one of the main reasons I came up here for my undergrad.
“I took a couple of years out and have chosen to study again at Loughborough, just because it makes it easy to balance being a professional athlete with my studies and qualifications.”
Rowland became only the 22nd player in Loughborough Lightning history to hit the 50-appearance mark back in the East Midlands Derby against Leicester Tigers in January 2025 – a match she lit up with a try and eight conversions. Beyond the domestic game, she has an immense pedigree on the international stage and is looking forward to continuing her form.
“I think a big personal goal for me, to be honest, is being injury-free,” she said. “I’ve had a bit of time out post World Cup. We’re hoping that’s going to have sorted out a few issues I’ve had over the last few years, and hopefully I can really push on from there and get back to playing the rugby I know I’ve been capable of previously.
“From an international perspective, I’ve achieved a lot, but I really want to break back into that starting team. I’ve spent a lot of time in that 23 shirt, and it’s great to be involved, but ultimately, I want to play as much as I can.
“And at Lightning, it’s about pushing on and trying to make this Lightning side a consistent top-four team, and hopefully we can push for those titles.
“A thanks has to go to my parents. They’ve always been so supportive, particularly in mini and girls’ rugby, travelling over an hour each week, which wouldn’t have been possible without their support.
“I came to Lightning on the back of a pretty uncertain time with 7s and Covid.
“I also need to thank Nathan [Smith, head coach] for sticking by me and believing in me. I haven’t played that much over the last three years, but he’s always made me feel welcome, and never wavered in his trust in me, which I think speaks volumes. Hopefully, I can repay that over the next few years.”
Rowland’s re-signing follows previous announcements that Daisy Hibbert-Jones, Keevy Fitzpatrick, Mae Sagapolu and Meg Davey have signed new Lightning deals – with more contract renewals set to be announced soon.
Lightning head coach Nathan Smith said: “We often speak about developing players within the programme at Loughborough, but it is important that we also keep world-class players within the programme, and that is what Helena is; world-class. She is one of the best players in the world.
“Helena has been moved around the field quite a lot from an England perspective. She is going to lead our attack moving forward, and I am delighted to have her in the programme.
“Helena re-signing for Lightning shows she has got belief in what we are doing and it is a really positive sign that top quality people believe in what we are doing.”
You can watch Rowland in action for Lightning when Friday Night Lights returns to cinch Stadium this week for the PWR Round 14 clash with Harlequins (kick-off: 7.30pm) – tickets are available by clicking HERE.