Loughborough Lightning have re-signed up-and-coming Scotland internationals Leia Brebner-Holden and Becky Boyd ahead of the 2025/26 season.
They were both named in Scotland’s extended training squad of 38 that will meet up next week to start preparations for the Women’s Rugby World Cup that will be taking place in England in August and September.
Brebner-Holden, 22, arrived at Lightning in October 2024 from fellow PWR side Gloucester-Hartpury and made 12 appearances during the 2024/25 campaign.
The scrum-half made her first-ever PWR start against Exeter Chiefs in January and followed that up with her maiden league try against Leicester Tigers a week later.
A breakthrough season also saw her make a first Guinness Women’s Six Nations start, as Brebner-Holden featured in four of Scotland’s five games and moved to nine senior international caps.
“The past season has really been an exciting one for me for both Loughborough Lightning and for Scotland,” said Brebner-Holden.
“Getting my first PWR start was something I wanted to tick off, and I was pleased to do that at a fantastic venue like cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, in front of our supporters.
“To follow that up with starts in the Six Nations was massive for me. I just want to keep on progressing for club and country which made the decision for me to stay on at Lightning an easy one.
“I am looking forward to what is ahead and what we can achieve in the 2025/26 season.”
Boyd, the 21-year-old second-row/back-row, enjoyed an incredible breakthrough campaign in 2024/25, featuring in eight PWR games before being called up into Scotland’s squad ahead of the Six Nations.
The former age-grade England international, who qualifies for Byron Easson’s Scotland squad through her grandfather, made her debut against France before adding further caps against Italy and England.
“I am really happy to extend my contract with Lightning,” she said.
“I feel like I’ve really progressed with my game this season and to feature in the Six Nations was a special feeling and something I want to chase after and experience more.
“The way we ended last season also fills me with optimism that we can kick on in 2025/26 and give our supporters at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens even more to cheer about.”
Leia Brebner-Holden and Becky Boyd are pictured
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