Ellingham & Ringwood star Alicia Maude signs for Loughborough Lightning

FORMER Ellingham & Ringwood scrum-half and Great Britain Sevens player Alicia Maude has signed for Loughborough Lightning.

The former Burley Primary School and Ringwood Academy pupil has officially signed with the team for the upcoming 2024/25 Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby season, following their impressive fifth-place finish last season.

Alicia, affectionately referred to as ‘Stumpy’ during her tenure with E&R, has garnered notable accolades in rugby, having acquired 18 World Series caps for England and Team GB.

Furthermore, she has demonstrated her prowess in the seven-a-side version of the sport by participating in the World Cup and Commonwealth Games.

Alicia will hope that an impressive season with the Lightning this season could lead to England selection ahead of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in August and September.

Among the eight host venues in England is Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, where Lightning play their home games.

Alicia said: “I’ve always loved playing 15s, having spent a few years playing sevens. I am very excited to get back into playing in the premiership alongside playing in the world sevens series.

“Loughborough plays a very exciting brand of rugby and have a heap of experience among the squad, which I’m hoping to add to.

“Their partnership with Northampton Saints is great for Lightning and the growth of the women’s game, and I’m looking forward to playing at Franklin’s Gardens this season.”

The 22-year-old played for New Forest club E&R from the age of six, where she competed and trained with boys until she was 11.

She represented the club at all age groups up to the U18s, and the Hampshire U15s at the earliest age possible before being selected for London & South East Divisional U15s while still 14 years old.

She excelled in playing for Hartpury College before being picked up by Gloucester-Hartpury to begin her Sevens journey before her standout performances led to her selection for the U20s Red Roses team in 15-a-side rugby.

She added: “It’s always been a goal of mine to play 15s internationally, and with the World Cup coming up this season, the competition across the premiership will only be greater.

“Having competed at a Commonwealth Games and a Sevens World Cup, I know the importance of making every training session count and will be doing everything I can to perform well this season.”

She concluded: “I’m very determined to help Lightning make the playoffs by being in the top-four at the end of the season and hopefully playing in the premiership final in March.

“As well as playing 15s, I will be aiming to play in each world series stop across the sevens season, starting with the Dubai Sevens in December and finishing up in Madrid in May and adding a few more medals along the way.

“I believe I can bring my experience from playing internationally on the Sevens Series, and add to the pace that Loughborough play at.”