Loughborough Lightning are delighted to announce that Sadia Kabeya has extended her contract with the Club into the 2025/26 season.

The new deal sees the 22-year-old move into a fifth season in an African Violet shirt having made her debut against Wasps back in September 2021.

Kabeya hit the 50-appearance milestone in the victory over Saracens last month and, if selected, will make her 55th outing for the Club in Friday’s Premiership Women’s Rugby final-round fixture against Trailfinders Women at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.

The openside flanker is a contracted Red Rose having made her senior international debut against Canada in 2021, and has gone on to achieve 18 Test caps so far.

“I love Loughborough and I love Lightning,” said Kabeya. “I love the set-up. It was my first Club I came to after moving to university. This is my fourth season now, and it is like a second family to me."

“I re-signed for Lightning firstly because of the people. The girls and the culture that we have here is great, it makes turning up and training and having those hard sessions worth it. The second reason was the type of rugby that we are playing."

“I think we are getting better and better, and I am excited for what is to come.”

Since recovering from the injury that ruled her out of England’s WXV 1 title defence last Autumn, Kabeya has been an ever-present in the Lightning side – making nine appearances this season so far, scoring tries against Harlequins and Saracens.

“This season has been so enjoyable,” Kabeya added. “We have gone from strength to strength. We started a bit slow but we have learned so much through those games and now we are only just showing the tip of what our potential is."

“We can see the progress of the Club with the results, but also with all of our games at Saints – the support is growing and growing. I really think this Club can reach new heights and hopefully we can get there pretty soon, and to be on that train is super exciting.”

Head coach Nathan Smith said:

“Sadia is a world-class rugby player who we are very fortunate to have in our environment. What I have seen during my time with Lightning are improvements in her game year-on-year and we are excited to play a part in her journey to becoming the best player in the world."

“It’s easy to forget how young she is and how much of her rugby career she has in front of her. Sadia has not had things all her own way, with a couple of injury setbacks that have prevented her participation in two WXV campaigns with England."

“However, on both occasions she has worked tremendously hard to return to fitness and form and she has played a key role in our strong end to the season. We’re really looking forward to what she can achieve both for us and for England moving forward.”