Buckingham Swans’ progression in recent years saw them finish in their highest-ever position of fourth in Women’s Championship North 1 during the 2023/24 campaign.
The agreement aims to establish player pathways from the championship to the premiership, fostering talent and providing opportunities for player development.
Lightning and Swans have been working together for some time already, with the highlight of the relationship so far being the progression made by former Buckingham RUFC Cygnet (girls’ section) player, Tiwaah Adjei-Ansere.
The prop has trained with Lightning for most of the 2023/24 season, making her debut in the Allianz Cup and then her first Allianz Premiership Women's Rugby appearance in the final game of the season against Saracens at Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
The agreement between Lightning and Buckingham will pave the way for more players to follow in Tiwaah’s footsteps and dual registered Lightning players to bolster the Swans’ squad moving forward.
Loughborough Lightning Head Coach Nathan Smith said: “It’s great to be able to announce Loughborough Lightning will be working together with Buckingham Swans RUFC. My experience working with Mikey and the team has been great and a real catalyst in formalising this relationship.
“They share Lightning’s passion for developing young talented athletes. Having an agreement with a Championship team was the last piece to complete in our development pathway.
“Through this agreement we can provide valuable rugby experience for our Lightning players and have exposure and eyes on the top Championship talent around.”
Buckingham RUFC Swans Head Coach Mikey Clark said: “I am delighted to get this agreement over the line, we've seen evidence in how it can work, but now is a great opportunity to watch it flourish.
“The objective for us is solely player focused. There are so many opportunities within the women’s game now, and in the local area for players; this is another fantastic opening. The Championship is a terrific space for young players to learn their trade, challenge themselves but in some cases prep for the next level up.
“For the benefit of the sport itself, the Championship needs these relationships to blossom, the game is growing and the talent within wants to thrive on these opportunities.”