Loughborough Lightning have swooped to sign England Under-18s forward Haineala Lutui.

The New Zealand-born number eight, who turns 18,, started her rugby journey at Worcester Rugby Club Under-13s and represented North Midlands at Under-15s level.

Haineala progressed to play for the Worcester Warriors Under-18s Centre of Excellence and in her second year represented England U18s. Alongside her rugby career, she has applied for a Sports Psychology course at Loughborough University and is awaiting her A-level results from RGS Worcester, which are due next week.

“⁠⁠I chose Lightning because the opportunity to study at a top university whilst also playing at a high level rugby is amazing,” she said."

“The facilities at Loughborough and coaching are top standard, which made it even easier to chose them.”

“Everyone has been very welcoming and lovely. I’ve been injured since I joined so haven’t been involved in many training sessions as I’ve been doing rehab. However, the support I’ve had from the physio and coaches has been so helpful.”

Lutui is familiar surname in Midlands rugby after Haineala’s father, Aleki, played 181 times for Worcester Warriors and featured in three Rugby World Cups for Tonga.

Lightning head coach Nathan Smith said:

“It is a massive coup for us to sign Haineala and we are delighted to have someone with her personality and potential in our environment.”

“She was one of the most sought-after young players in English rugby and we’re delighted to get her on board to continue her rugby journey with us.”

Lutui’s signature adds to the previously announced new recruits ahead of the 2024/25 season, which include Olympic Rugby Sevens medallists Alev Kelter and Krissy Scurfield, as well as Alicia Maude, Elis Martin, Anne Young and Cieron Bell.