Superleague players included in Vitality Roses Reunited Series squad

England will face the Jamaica Sunshine Girls in the upcoming Vitality Netball ‘Roses Reunited’ Series at the Copper Box Arena in London on Sunday 28 November, before moving on to the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December.

The Vitality Netball ‘Roses Reunited’ Series gives the Vitality Roses players and the Performance team at England Netball the opportunity to continue preparations for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022, against the fourth ranked nation in world netball.

In total, five Superleague teams are being represented in the first-team squad. Leeds Rhinos, London Pulse, Loughborough Lightning, Manchester Thunder and Team Bath Netball all have players included. This includes Funmi Fadoju, who has been selected for the first time.

Jess Thirlby, Vitality Roses Head Coach, said: “This squad showcases the depth and breadth of talent we have in the Vitality Roses team, and I am excited to bring this group of players together for the Roses Reunited series.

“To welcome back the likes of Jo Harten, Helen Housby, Stacey Francis-Bayman and Natalie Haythornthwaite to the squad only helps to strengthen an already talented and well established group. It is so valuable to be able to spend time together in camp in preparation for the games ahead and there is a great energy amongst everyone which speaks to the environment and culture we feel represents this team and that we work hard to cultivate day in day out.

“The team cannot wait to get back on court in front of home fans, keeping focused on our preparation for the Commonwealth Games next summer and developing and building as a team, to make everyone proud.”

David Parsons, Performance Director England Netball, added: “It is so encouraging to be able to name three such strong squads that indicate the talent that we have available across the English game.

“For the Vitality Roses, the series against Jamaica will be another real test of our capability against one of the best teams in the world as we hope to build on from our success in New Zealand.”

Vitality Roses Squad

* Will also feature in the England A fixtures

** Also selected for the England Development squad

In addition the England ‘A’ and the England Development squads have been announced, with both sides set to play a series of matches across November and December.

England ‘A’ will face a Jamaica side on Monday 22 November and Wednesday 24 November, plus the Vitality Roses on Sunday 21 November, all to be played behind closed doors. And the England Development squad, predominantly an Under 21’s side, will compete in a programme of fixtures to be announced in due course.

A number of VNSL 2022 players have been selected as part of these two squads including the likes of Nat Panagarry, Rhea Dixon and Annabel Roddy.

Thirlby said: “I’m also proud that we have secured competition opportunities for those who have the drive and ambition to compete for a place in a Roses team, both in the short and longer term. The England ‘A’ and England Development squad fixtures not only provide an opportunity to showcase our talent but affords players a long awaited moment in the spotlight to excite our fans about the emerging Roses that are coming through our programme.”

Parsons said: “For those involved in the England ‘A’ fixtures, it’s a real opportunity to press a case for selection as we look ahead to next year’s Commonwealth Games, and for the England Development squad, having missed out on an Under 21 World Cup and an overseas tour this year, it is great for so many outstanding Under 21 players, some already with Vitality Netball Superleague experience, to get the opportunity to showcase their talents.”

England ‘A’ Squad

*Selected in the Vitality Roses squad but will also feature in the England A fixtures

** Also selected for the England Development squad

England Development Squad

*Also selected in the England A squad

** Also selected in the Vitality Roses squad

The November 28 fixture at London’s Copper Box Arena is sold out but tickets are available for the Nottingham Motorpoint Arena dates here.

Make sure you’re following England Netball on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest Vitality Roses news and content.

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