USA international Mae Sagapolu has committed her future to Loughborough Lightning by signing a new contract extension.

The tighthead prop arrived from East Midlands rivals Leicester Tigers last summer and has made a huge impact in an African Violet shirt, appearing in all nine Premiership Women’s Rugby fixtures so far this season, scoring two tries.

Her powerful ball carrying, strong scrummaging and destructive defence have been key features in Lightning’s campaign so far, having returned from featuring in all three of USA’s 2025 Rugby World Cup fixtures.

Mae commented:

“It’s been such a big push for me since I joined Lightning. I really enjoy the girls so much. Nathan [Smith] is a really good coach for me. He pushes me when I need to be pushed. Everyone’s attention to detail is so crazy and I think that’s such a big work-on for me."

“I think I just fit in really well with the girls and they’ve made it like a big home for me, so coming back was an easy choice for me. Everyone treats me like family, and I love that the girls are constantly pushing every week."

“I feel like I have become a better player and I have more tools in my toolbox as well. I’m surrounded by very knowledgeable people. I’m bouncing ideas off other people, they’re sharing ideas. They take the time to develop me, so I feel like I have improved my game."

“There’s a lot still to work on this well, I feel like I’m in a good place working on solid foundations, I'm really looking forward to what’s ahead at Lightning.”

Sagapolu’s next outing in a Lightning shirt is Sunday’s return to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday 22 February (kick-off: 1pm) against Bristol Bears. That Round 12 fixture is the first of three Lightning have at home in the space of four weeks, with Harlequins (13 March) and Gloucester-Hartpury (22 March) also heading to cinch Stadium.

“We are not going to shy away from the challenge,” added Sagapolu. “We know we’re coming up against some really good sides. We’re buzzing to get into it, I'm excited to be involved.

“I love playing at cinch Stadium. I find the little girls in their cowboy hats adorable! As a player seeing the amount of support we have, it motivates me. There’s something about seeing little girls wanting to be Lightning players.

“I just feel extremely blessed and grateful to have the supporters we have.

“They come, no matter what, rain or shine, everyone's there. It another boost for us. Even if we're on the back foot, they push us forward.”

Sagapolu is the latest player to commit their future to Lightning, following on from previous announcements that Daisy Hibbert-Jones and Keevy Fitzpatrick have agreed new deals – and many more new contracts will be revealed in the weeks ahead.

Lightning Head Coach Nathan Smith commented:

“I am delighted that Mae has signed a new multi-year deal. Firstly, she is just a fantastic player to coach, and she is really good for the environment. We knew before she came to Lightning Mae was a quality player but she has made big improvements in her game already and I am excited to see how far she can take her game working with us during the duration of her contract."

“It’s really important we retain players of Mae’s qualities and it is a big statement for us to make to keep her with us for a long period.”

Photo: Credit Dennis Dixon.