Scotland centre Helen Nelson has joined the Loughborough Lightning rugby squad ahead of the 2019/20 Premier 15s season.

Nelson, 25, boasts 22 international caps since her debut against Spain in 2016 and has since been a regular in the Scotland starting line-up. She has also captained Scotland's 7's side.

Her most notable performance involved scoring eight points in the 2018 away win against Ireland during the Six Nations Championship.

She joins the Lightning from Montpellier Rugby after their sixth French Elite championship win in seven years.

Head coach Rhys Edwards praised Nelson's versatility and said of the signing: "I am really excited about Helen Nelson joining us. Her international experience being the Scotland 7's captain and being able to play both fly-half and centre will only enhance our squad."

The Lightning now have five Scottish internationals in their side with forwards Rachel Malcom and Sarah Bonar returning as well as scrum-half Jenny Maxwell and winger Rhona Lloyd.

Loughborough Lightning get their 2019/20 Tyrrells Premier 15s campaign underway against DMP Sharks on Saturday September 21.