England Debut for Old Elizabethan Haineala Lutui

Former RGS Worcester pupil Haineala Lutui has achieved an incredible milestone in her Rugby career, making her debut for England’s Senior Women’s team, the Red Roses.

Haineala, who left RGS Worcester in 2024, has progressed through the England pathway, having previously represented England at Under 18 and Under 20 levels, making her Under 20 debut during the 2025 Six Nations Summer Series. Her selection for the full England team takes place during an impressive season with Loughborough Lightning in the Women’s Premiership in which she has the highest number of carries of any player.

The Red Roses are the current Women’s World Cup winners whose players have become household names. Haineala now plays alongside and against these women each week for Loughborough Lightning. To be selected for the England team as the youngest player and the only uncapped player is an extraordinary achievement.

Haineala was named in the squad for England’s opening Six Nations fixture against Ireland last Saturday, where she came on from the bench early in the match, making her first appearance at Senior international level in front of a record Women’s Six Nations crowd of 77,120 at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham. She was not phased by the occasion, despite playing second row rather than her usual back row position.  England won the match convincingly 33-12 and Haineala played a full part in the victory.

Haineala began playing Rugby at the age of 13 with Worcester Rugby Club and continued to develop during her time at RGS Worcester, where she was a committed sportswoman. She was the 1st team Netball team’s Goal Shooter who won both Superball matches in which she played. Haineala now combines her studies at Loughborough University with playing at a high level in Women’s Premiership Rugby.

Haineala’s two sisters are at RGS, both keen sportswomen, and their father, Aleki Lutui is a Worcester Warriors legend and former Captain of Tonga who played in two World Cups. Mr Lutui is part of the Rugby coaching team at RGS Worcester.

Haineala’s first full England cap was a proud moment for her family, many of whom attended the match and awarded her with garlands at the end of the game. We look forward to following her continued success in the competition. She is selected for England tomorrow against Scotland. Congratulations to Haineala from the whole RGS Worcester community and good luck for the matches ahead.