Loughborough Lightning are delighted to announce the signing of Canadian centre Flo Symonds ahead of the 2026/27 Jaecoo PWR season.
The 24‑year‑old started at outside centre for the Canucks in their 2025 Rugby World Cup Final defeat to England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, last September.
Symonds has earned 18 caps for her country in 15s rugby since making her debut in 2023, and has also represented Canada around the world on the SVNS circuit since 2021 – that saw her win a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“Loughborough has always stood out as a club with a really strong programme and a lot of quality players,” Symonds said. “I wanted to challenge myself in a new environment, learn a different style of rugby to what I’ve been used to in Canada, and continue developing my game as a 15s player. From everything I’ve heard, it’s a really professional set‑up with a great culture, so it felt like the right place to take that next step.”
Symonds is the sixth Canadian to sign for Lightning this summer, following the announcement that Pamphinette Buisa, Chloe Daniels, Brooke Rempel, Kiki Idowu and Rachel Smith are Loughborough-bound ahead of the 2026/27 PWR campaign.
“Moving across the world is a big change, so having some familiar faces around during that transition will be really nice,” Symonds added. “At the same time, I’m excited to meet everyone else and build new relationships.
“I’ve always wanted to experience playing in the PWR. It’s one of the strongest women’s competitions in the world, and I think it’s the perfect environment to keep learning and growing. This will be my first experience playing in a professional club league, so it’s a really exciting opportunity and one I’m looking forward to making the most of.”
Lightning have enjoyed positive experiences with Canadian players in recent seasons, with Abby Duguid, Courtney Holtkamp (née O’Donnell) and Krissy Scurfield all wearing African Violet with distinction, as has current squad member Fancy Bermudez, who re-signed for the club this summer after scoring two tries in 12 appearances in her maiden Lightning campaign.
“There have been a few Canadians who’ve played at Lightning over the years,” Symonds said. “Everyone I’ve spoken to has had really positive things to say about the club. Hearing about their experiences reinforced that it would be a great place to develop both as a player and a person.”
Born in Hong Kong, Symonds represented the nation at age‑grade level in sevens before switching allegiance to Canada. She offered an insight into what Lightning supporters can expect next season.
“I think my background in 7s has really complemented my game in the centres,” she said. “I like to play with energy and look for opportunities to put people into space. More than anything, I just hope I can contribute to the team however I’m needed and keep improving throughout the season.”
Lightning Head Coach Nathan Smith was thrilled to add the experienced international to his squad.
“Flo is a massively exciting player who has already made a big impact internationally in both formats of the game,” he said. “This will be her first step into the elite‑level club game, but it’s one I’m sure she will take in her stride. She has the potential to light up the PWR next season.
“She is a player I have tracked for a couple of years and have been close to signing her previously, so it is pleasing to get her over the line.
“There’s so much to admire about her game already, but I’m confident that once she is within our environment, working with our coaching team and playing squad day in, day out, we will see further growth. I’m excited to see where she can take her game this season.”
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