Prolific try-scoring back Ellen Scantlebury has extended her contract with Loughborough Lightning. The powerful winger/centre scored an incredible 21 tries in six matches for Loughborough University in 2024/25, including seven in a single match against Edinburgh.

Alongside her efforts in helping her fellow students reach two BUCS Super Rugby finals, the 21-year-old has made 16 appearances for Loughborough Lightning, making her debut as a teenager in April 2023 against Harlequins.

The Somerset-born player featured 11 times during the 2023/24 Premiership Women’s Rugby season and scored her maiden senior level try against Gloucester-Hartpury, before claiming a brace against Trailfinders Women.

Unfortunately, Scantlebury made only three appearances in the 2024/25 campaign after suffering a knee injury in the second round loss to Trailfinders – but made her return to action against the same opponents in the season-concluding reverse fixture at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens in February 2025.

“I am really looking forward to the new season with Lightning,” said Scantlebury. “Last season was a really frustrating one from a Lightning perspective after picking up an injury in what was such a condensed schedule that meant I missed a lot of games."

“But I was pleased to get back out there on the pitch in the last game and I really enjoyed making up for lost time in BUCS too. I want to hit the ground running with Lightning too heading into the PWR Cup and the PWR season and go out and perform at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.”

Scantlebury’s return to form and fitness was further emphasised by captaining Loughborough to Celestial 7s glory in mid-June.

Lightning Head Coach Nathan Smith said: “Scants has been ripping it up in an African Violet shirt in BUCS and 7s, so we’re excited to see if she can bring that form and confidence onto the pitch for us too."

“It was a real shame that we lost her for a good chunk of the 2024/25 season as she would’ve had a great opportunity to play more rugby with other players in her position out injured too."

“I’m looking forward to seeing her progress with the team this season and establishing herself as a PWR player on a regular basis.”