Waterford FC are delighted to confirm Lauren Egbuloniu has re-signed with the Blues ahead of the 2026 SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division season.
The exciting forward joined the Blues ahead of the start of the 2025 season, suffering an ACL injury in our opening game of the season against Treaty United.
After a thorough recovery phase, the forward now returns to the Blues ahead of the upcoming season, looking to play a crucial role leading the line for Gary Hunt’s side.
Egbuloniu came up through the Cork City academy after joining from her hometown club in Passage AFC, where she was a member of the Rebel Army’s senior side that reached the FAI Cup final in 2020 – losing to Peamount United FC in the showpiece final.
The striker netted seven goals for the Cork first-team in 26 appearances in 2020, before making the move across the Atlantic ocean in 2021, where she joined Louisena Tech on a scholarship. Lauren added 12 goals to her resume while abroad, before returning home to Cork City towards the end of 2024, where she made 3 league appearances for the club, before moving to the RSC ahead of the 2026 season.
Ahead of the start of the 2026 season, Lauren gave us her thoughts ahead of the start of the 2026 season, saying:
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be signing back with Waterford. A lot of growth, patience, and hard work has gone into getting to this point. It’s a new chapter with the same standards, and I’m excited to get back on the pitch.”
Blues Head Coach Gary Hunt is delighted to welcome Lauren back for 2026, mentioning:
“I’m delighted that Lauren is back for the new season after having last season cut so short following injury. Despite the injury she remained committed to returning for us and having seen the work she has put in to get there, I’m excited to see her back in action for the Blues.
Her mindset has been impressive to overcome such a significant injury for a second time and her rehab with UPMC will give her every opportunity to come back stronger.
Lauren will add competition in our forward areas and I’m sure when ready she will return to the good form that was behind us signing her 12 months previously.”
Lauren’s player sponsorship is now available for the 2026 SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division campaign. To find out more, contact Waterford FC Commercial Manager Tony Kelly at tony.kelly@waterfordfc.ie.
Welcome back, Lauren!
