Loughborough Lightning today confirm that the 2025/26 campaign will be Helen Nelson’s final season in African Violet.
The 31‑year‑old versatile back, who has been at Lightning for seven seasons and is the Club’s fifth‑highest all‑time appearance maker with 78 outings, will leave cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens to pursue a new playing opportunity.
Nelson made her debut against DMP Durham Sharks in 2019 and scored her first try five games later against Warriors Women. The 171 points she has accumulated is bettered by only four Lightning players.
The Inverness‑born back made her senior international debut ten years ago and has since moved to 80 appearances for her country – including at the 2021 and 2025 World Cups – as well as multiple Six Nations and WXV campaigns.
Alongside her playing commitments, Nelson has also progressed as a coach, having first supported Loughborough University’s BUCS 2 squad in the 2024/25 season before moving on to coach the BUCS 1 side’s defence as they ended their 21‑year wait for BUCS Super Rugby Milk Championship Final glory with a 45-5 win over Brunel University last month.
“I have grown so much as both a player and a person off the pitch during my time with Lightning,” Nelson said. “Just having the chance to play with some world‑class players over the years, from literally all over the world, it really has been the most incredible experience. That has helped me stay around so long – it is such a great group of girls and a great coaching staff. They have always had a really strong, tight‑knit team connection and had a lot of fun.
Nelson – whose final home game for Lightning is set to be the visit of Saracens to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday 31 May (tickets available by clicking HERE) – listed last season’s first‑ever win in that head‑to‑head as the highlight of her time at the Club.
She also referenced the growing partnership with Northampton Saints and playing all their home Premiership Women’s Rugby fixtures at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens over the past three seasons.
“It feels like a proper home now,” explained Nelson. “I am really pleased with the connection we have built with the fans – to see consistent faces every week, the same kids, the same families in the stand, genuinely supporting us and feeling like you know them quite well. It is a really nice community feeling and I feel really proud to have been a part of that growth and to see that build.
“I’d like to give a big thank you to the girls and to the coaching staff, and that’s across the board. S&C, Adam Burton‑Wain in the gym has been absolutely world‑class in keeping me on the field. Nathan [Smith], Tails [Rachel Taylor], Scaz [Emily Scarratt], and then I work closely with Matt Campbell coaching BUCS as well – they are so great and so passionate about the game and that really comes through. When the chips are down, what always comes through from them is their passion and care for the group. They never count us out; there’s always a chance to rebuild.”
On her decision to leave Lightning, Nelson added: “As sad as I am to leave the girls and leave Lightning, the timing just felt right for that new opportunity to go and experience a new environment. But I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved with Lightning and all the fans who have followed and supported them along the way as well.”
Lightning Head Coach Nathan Smith said: “It has been a genuine pleasure to work with Nelly during my time with Lightning. She is a great player to coach and has been such a key member of the squad for such a long period of time.
“She has been such a positive influence on the environment, and she has had a big impact on younger players too. I wish her well with the next step of her career.”
Lightning have previously announced the re‑signings of Helena Rowland, Sadia Kabeya, Daisy Hibbert‑Jones, Carmela Morrall, Megan Davey, Mae Sagapolu and Keevy Fitzpatrick ahead of next season – with more announcements to follow in the coming weeks and months.
Loughborough Lightning 2026/27 Season Tickets are now on sale priced from £60 adult and £20 child during the Early Bird window. To purchase yours or for more information, please click HERE.