Joyce Mvula to return to the Netball Super League with Leeds Rhinos

Northern Ireland international Emma Magee will join up with her sister Michelle Magee, moving up north from Surrey Storm, whilst Scotland’s Sarah MacPhail joins the side from Severn Stars and England Future Rose Harriet Jones moves across The Pennines from Manchester to Leeds.

Joyce Mvula

The Malawi Queen returns to the competition she won in 2022 with Manchester Thunder after a year in New Zealand with Central Pulse.

During her six years at Thunder, she established herself as one of the competition’s best and most consistent shooters.

In 2019 she helped Manchester win the title, playing alongside current Rhinos coach Liana Leota. In her last three years in the NSL she achieved a 91 per cent success shooting rate. She scored an incredible 699 goals in 2021 to see her team through to the semi-finals and the following year topped this with 774 goals in Thunders’ Championship winning campaign.

✍️ Mvula is heading back to @NetballSL

Completing our 12 for the 2024 season is goal shooting legend @_Joycemvula!

More: https://t.co/uyeMicw4Bm#SigningWindow2024 | #RhinosNetball pic.twitter.com/MQ9H1L1suO

— Leeds Rhinos Netball (@RhinosNetballSL) September 7, 2023

Speaking about joining the Rhinos, Mvula said: “I am excited to be heading back to the Netball Super League and am looking forward to meeting up with my new team. I have played with Liana before at Manchester Thunder so it will be good to team up with her again.

“The competition is one that I really enjoy playing in and I can’t wait to get back started and get building new connections with my team.”

Emma Magee

Magee, who can play Goal Attack, Goal Shooter and Wing Attack, made 18 appearances for Surrey Storm and scored 103 goals over two seasons before taking a year away from playing in 2023.

She captained Northern Ireland U21s in the 2017 Netball Youth World Cup before representing the senior Northern Ireland in the 2019 World Cup and in 2022 Commonwealth Games. Alongside her netball, Magee also plays Gaelic Football with Antrim Ladies.

🔙in Super League

We are delighted that @netballni international @emmamagee5 is making her return to @NetballSL with the Rhinos 🤩

More: https://t.co/bAZaEYdawW#SigningWindow2024 | #RhinosNetball pic.twitter.com/PmKazRg2I8

— Leeds Rhinos Netball (@RhinosNetballSL) September 6, 2023

“I am super excited and feel very honoured to be joining the Leeds Rhinos team this season. Liana is someone who I’ve always admired as a younger player. Her flare, creativity and knowledge of the game is so impressive and I can’t wait to learn and grow in that type of environment. Playing back alongside my sister is also a dream come true!”

Sarah MacPhail

Sarah MacPhail is one of three new defensive options on the Rhinos roster.

The 26-year-old from Kirkwall was part of the Strathclyde Sirens squad for three seasons, making her NSL debut in 2021.  Last year she signed for Severn Stars where she made 16 league appearances.  Internationally she has represented Scotland from aged 15 and played in the 2019 World Cup and made her Commonwealth Games debut in 2022.  Alongside her netball career, MacPhail works as an optometrist.

“When I got the call from Liana I was ecstatic.  I am so excited to be coached by her and to get to know the team. I am somebody who thrives in a happy, team environment and I think the group of girls we have are going to give that.”

Harriet Jones

The 18-year-old goal attack, is part of the  England Future Roses programme where she has recently worked with Rhinos Director of Netball Liana Leota.

She started her playing career with Chester Netball Club whilst also getting selected for Manchester U15s.  She then played for Oldham Netball Club and has been part of the Manchester Thunder Pathway since she was 15.  She first represented her country when she was selected for the England U17s Roses Academy when she was still playing for Oldham U15s.

In 2022 she became a Training Partner for Thunder and last season made the step up to make her debut in the NSL.

Excited for this one😍 https://t.co/5wsSj5Bckm

— harriet jones (@harrietjones24) September 6, 2023

Commenting on her new deal with the Rhinos, Jones said: “I can’t wait to get started and to join up with my new club.  I have been at the same franchise since I was 12 so this will be a new challenge for me and one I am looking forward to.”

You can keep up to date with all the 2024 squads and signings here.

To keep up with the latest news, make sure to follow the @NetballSL on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok and subscribe to our newsletter. 

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