Dual-code international Goldthorp joins Loughborough

Francesca Goldthorp was named North Queensland's NRLW rookie of the year in her first season with the Cowboys

Dual-code international Francesca Goldthorp has rejoined Premiership Women's side Loughborough Lightning from Australian top-flight rugby league side North Queensland Cowboys.

The versatile 21-year-old back spent two seasons with the Townsville-based NRLW team, having shifted her focus back to 13-player game after initially switching rugby codes with Loughborough while playing for Women's Super League side Leeds Rhinos.

She made 20 appearances for Lightning in her first spell between March 2021 and March 2023 and earned a call-up to the England Under-20 side in that time.

Goldthorp, a decorated Rhinos player who won two Super League titles and scored 45 tries in 44 appearances for her hometown club, also featured for England in the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.

"I’m really excited to be back with Lightning after a few years away,” Goldthorp told the club website.

"It was at Loughborough where my rugby union journey started and I am really looking forward to working hard with the team and seeing what we can achieve together this season."

Goldthorp makes her move back to rugby union a year out from England hosting the Women's World Cup.

"I want to give my all to contribute to the team on and off the field to achieve our goals in what is a really exciting year ahead for women’s rugby, with a fiercely competitive PWR season being followed by the 2025 Six Nations and a home World Cup," she said.