Loughborough Lightning’s all-time record appearance maker Meg Davey has put pen to paper on a new contract extension.
It was back in November 2017 when the scrum-half made her debut as a 17-year-old, and she has remained a consistent presence in the Lightning squad ever since, becoming the Club’s second-ever centurion during the 2024/25 campaign.
The 25-year-old has since moved into unchartered Lightning territory, amassing 118 appearances and is the second-longest serving member of the current squad.
“I am making the appearance count so high no-one is ever going to beat it!” she said. “I am really excited to re-sign with Lightning, we have done something really special this year and it’s a team that I want to continue to grow with.
“I am happy, I am healthy and I love the team. I like what Nathan [Smith, head coach] is doing with the squad. There’s quite a few of us that have re-signed which means a lot because we will be building on strong foundations next season and keeping the core of the squad together. I am looking forward to what the future brings.”
Davey has missed Lightning’s first three games of 2026 having undergone hand surgery following an injury suffered delivering the offload assist for Fancy Bermudez’s stoppage-time try to tie the pre-Christmas clash with Trailfinders Women at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
Surgery has been a success and her imminent return to full fitness has coincided with Wales head coach Sean Lynn giving Davey a first international call-up alongside clubmate, Kendall Waudby.
The duo attended a two-camp earlier this week ahead of the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations – when Davey could make her senior international debut.
“The idea of playing for Wales was first brought to me ahead of the 2021 Rugby World Cup [held in 2022 during to the global pandemic],” Davey added. “I’ve had quite a few years to sit on the idea and now I really want to take up the opportunity and also do my nation proud. I am just going to go for it. I have been welcomed in with open arms by Lynny and hopefully the rest of the squad.
“My granddad is Welsh, James Davey, who is sadly no longer with us. My family has always wanted me to play international rugby, it has always been a dream for me.
Davey’s contract extension follows the confirmed re-signings of Keevy Fitzpatrick, Daisy Hibbert-Jones and Mae Sagapolu as Lightning head coach Nathan Smith continues to build his squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.
“I am delighted MJ has decided to extend her time with us at Lightning,” said Smith. “The amount of appearances she has made for someone so young is remarkable. Despite her experience and longevity, I still feel there is growth in her game and we have definitely missed her during the early part of 2026 and look forward to seeing her back out there soon in a Lightning shirt.
“It is a really exciting time for MJ being called up into the Wales squad. She deserves the opportunity to prove herself on the international stage and it is going to be a proud day for her, her family and everyone here at Lightning when she hopefully joins our long list of players who have represented their country this Spring.”
Davey’s next opportunity to shine in Lightning colours at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens is the Friday Night Lights fixture with Harlequins on Friday 13 March – to purchase your tickets, please click HERE!