Loughborough Lightning have added more international quality to their squad after signing Canadian forward Courtney Holtkamp until the end of the 2024/25 Premiership Women’s Rugby season.

The 25-year-old second row joins the African Violets for a third spell having made 18 appearances across the 2020/21 and 2021/22 campaigns.

Holtkamp enjoyed a meteoric rise in rugby having taken the sport up at the age of 14 at high school in Rimbey, before progressing on to play for the Red Deer Titans.

She was swiftly identified and selected by the Alberta Under-18s team and soon represented Canada at age-grade level.

Aged just 18 in November 2017, Holtkamp made her senior international debut against England – the same opponent against whom she received her most recent and 40th international cap in October 2024.

“I am looking forward to coming back because the training environment is absolutely elite,” said Holtkamp, who appeared in the 2021 World Cup. “The high-level intensity I know this group has, the top-notch coaching, and the spectacular training facilities at Loughborough are things that get me super excited to return."

“Not only that, but being part of this team’s camaraderie and passion for each other and the game is something truly special which I have missed since last time I was part of this team."

“As a player, my past seasons with Loughborough Lightning have absolutely transformed me; my rugby skills and smarts improved exponentially. I’m looking forward to continuing developing and being the best player I can be for Lightning, as well as in the longer term for my Canadian team as we build for the World Cup 2025 in England this coming August/September.”

Lightning have been operating this season without second rows Emma Wassel and Cath O’Donnell, who have nearly 100 international appearances between them.

Head coach Nathan Smith was pleased to add another quality operator to his lock options for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign.

“We’re very lucky to get as player of Courtney’s quality at such short notice,” said Smith. “I am grateful for the support shown to get this signing over the line as we head into the New Year."

“Courtney needs to play at the highest level ahead of the Pacific Four Series and World Cup and we need more experience in the second-row department."

“There is the added benefit that she has been in the environment before so will only add to it as she is a great person, who has played with many of our squad before.”

Photo credit: Claire Jones / redhatphoto.com