Loughborough Lightning can confirm the departures of Lucy Weaver, Katherine Baverstock, Amelie Anstead and Grace Deane ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Scrum-half Weaver, made 17 Lighting appearances and prop Baverstock made 11 appearances over three seasons with the African Violets, while also playing prominent roles for the Loughborough University side.

Winger Deane joined from Championship club Cheltenham Tigers last summer and made one Premiership Women’s Rugby appearance against Bristol Bears, while back three player Anstead featured as a replacement against Leicester Tigers as a replacement in the PWR Up Series in September 2024.

Lightning Head Coach Nathan Smith said:

“I would like to thank Lucy, Katherine, Amelie and Grace for their contribution to Loughborough Lightning and wish them all the best in their rugby careers moving forward.”

Lightning have previously announced the departures of Rachel Malcolm, Hallie Taufoou and Emma Wassell, meanwhile, the likes of Krissy Scurfield, Sadia Kabeya and Lilli Ives Campion have all signed new deals ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Further re-signings and new additions to the squad have been made and will be announced soon.