Keevy Fitzpatrick has put pen to paper on a new Loughborough Lightning contract, committing the England U20 international to the Club on a multi-year deal.
The talented lock has made ten Lightning appearances following her debut against Sale Sharks in April 2024, including seven outings in a breakthrough campaign this term.
She was amongst the five Lightning players who were involved in the first Red Roses squad meet of 2026, having made two appearances for the U20s, and was also a part of January’s U21 training camp.
“Keevy is the high potential lock in England,” said Lightning Head Coach Nathan Smith. “She has already been involved in the Red Roses camp and we are really fortunate to be getting her on a multi-year contract moving forward.
“Good lineout second rows are very hard to come by in women’s rugby, regardless of nationality, so for Keevy to take all the opportunities that she has been given around development with BUCS and Lightning, then also to commit to us moving forward is great for the Club.”
Fitzpatrick’s journey started with Clacton RUFC, then Colchester RUFC before spending five seasons Sudbury and then heading to Loughborough University.
Her rise was rapid, progressing from a fresher’s game to BUCS Super Rugby in a matter of months, before being called up into the Lightning squad in February 2024.
“I have decided to stay at Lightning because I think this is where I am going to be the best developed, especially as a forward,” said the 20-year-old. “There’s so many experienced and knowledgeable people on the team and obviously the coaching staff have made such a massive difference to my ability already!
“In a short space of time I’ve already made some great memories, like making my Premiership Women’s Rugby debut against Bristol Bears and I really enjoyed the PWR: The Cup campaign earlier this season, where I got to pack down with my good friend Tamsin Baynes for every game – especially at Leicester Tigers away.”
Fitzpatrick scored her maiden Lightning try in that game as she successfully balances her burgeoning rugby career with her Sport and Exercise degree studies at Loughborough University.
Upon signing her milestone senior contract, she paid tribute to those who have paved the way for her successful rise in the early years of her career.
“My dad is my biggest supporter,” she said. “Being a single parent of ten children and still making time to take me to my games and give me pointers on the way back is impressive to say the least. He will try and come to as many games as he can, now bringing my youngest brothers with him.
“Two of my coaches that I want to thank are Grant Jarmain (who was my first ever coach) and Mark Rogers who was my coach at Sudbury, they have both had such big impacts on me as a player and a person and both still check in regularly to see how I’m doing.”
The next opportunity to see Fitzpatrick in action at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens is the PWR clash with Bristol Bears on Sunday 22 February – tickets are available by clicking HERE.