Sadia Kabeya and Helen Nelson were the big winners at Loughborough Lightning’s end-of-season awards evening.
Held after their season‑concluding 36-50 victory over Leicester Tigers, four awards were presented at the Jam Garden in Loughborough.
World Cup and Six Nations Grand Slam‑winning flanker Kabeya, who was awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List, added to her achievements this season by winning the Coaches’ Player of the Season award.
Kabeya featured in 13 of Lightning’s 16 league games, scoring a remarkable 11 tries in the process.
“It has been a really special season and this award means a lot to me,” said Kabeya. “I wanted to come back from the World Cup and Six Nations and carry on pushing myself with Lightning, and I feel like I’ve been able to do that with the support of the coaches here, my teammates, and the S&C and medical team we have at Lightning.”
Following her 80th and final outing for the club against Tigers, departing Scotland international Nelson received the coveted Players’ Player of the Season award.
The versatile fly‑half/fullback featured in 15 of Lightning’s 16 league games, scoring 68 points in the process.
Nelson said: “It came as a shock to win the award, but it was a really nice surprise. I’m really humbled and touched to have received the vote from my teammates and friends, especially when so many people have had unbelievable seasons.”
In her first season of senior rugby, Haineala Lutui enjoyed a spectacular campaign, starting all of Lightning’s PWR matches in both the second row and at No.8.
The 19‑year‑old finished the season as the league’s leading ball carrier, making 247 carries across the campaign, and was second only to teammate Alev Kelter for gainline carries.
Lutui also earned her Red Roses debut during the Guinness Women’s Six Nations, scored her first senior international try, and played a key role in the Grand Slam‑winning campaign.
Her exploits in an African Violet shirt saw her shortlisted for the PWR Breakthrough Player award at The Rugby Awards (held on 10 June), and on Sunday evening she received Lightning’s Young Player of the Season.
The Rex Hazeldine Award went to Churchy Knight, in recognition of her unwavering commitment to the Lightning programme. She received the award from the man it was named after.
Rex was a key figure in the growth of women’s rugby — not just at Loughborough, but for England too.
Loughborough Lightning 2025/26 end-of-season award winners
Coaches’ Player of the Season: Sadia Kabeya
Players’ Player of the Season: Helen Nelson
Young Player of the Season: Haineala Lutui
Rex Hazeldine Award: Churchy Knight
Supporters’ Player of the Season, sponsored by Saints Supporters Club: Amelia Williams (presented after the final home game of the season against Saracens)