Netball Super League | Celtic Dragons announce three new additions for 2020

CARDIFF, WALES - MARCH 25: Members of both sides hold a post match huddle during the Vitality Netball Superleague match between Celtic Dragons and London Pulse at the Sport Wales National Centre on March 25, 2019 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images for England Netball)

Yesterday, Celtic Dragons announced that three of its 2019 players, Chelsea Lewis, Abby Tyrrell and Dee Bolakoro would be returning for the new season. Tuesday also saw the return of 2018 Dragon, Welsh defender Leila Thomas from Team Bath. Now, the Cardiff-based franchise is welcoming three very exciting names to its ranks for the coming campaign.

Amy Clinton will be making the move from Loughborough Lightning to Celtic Dragons for 2020. The former England U21 shooter has enjoyed a successful and varied Superleague career so far, having featured not only for Lightning but also Manchester Thunder in previous years. Clinton earned a bronze medal at the Netball World Youth Cup back in 2017 and will combine her netball duties with university study. Today also marks her birthday!

Joining Clinton will be another former Manchester Thunder player, defender Paige Kindred. Kindred enjoyed a great season with 2019 Superleague champions Thunder and like Clinton brings experience beyond her years with time spent at former Superleague franchise Team Northumbria under her belt.

The next signing for Dragons’ 2020 season is another player with strong connections to Manchester Thunder, Welsh wing-attack Sophie Morgan. Morgan took a year out from the Superleague in 2019, but before that she played a prominent role in Thunder’s attacking end. Morgan, who comes from Brynford, Flintshrie, has played netball across the UK at the highest level, not only being a former Dragons and Surrey Storm player, but also captaining Wales at age-group level.

Head coach, Tania Hoffman spoke about the talents of these new signings:

“Amy is an outstanding player who dominated in the Under 21 ranks playing for Manchester Thunder. She is somebody that will benefit from regular court time within our system and has plenty of potential to be a strong performer at this level.

“I love Paige’s tenacity and her drive to be better than before. She has a great work ethic and is hungry for game time. She brings confidence and a willingness to contribute.”

“It’s great to have Sophie back in Celtic Dragons colours. She is a player who will contribute strongly to our mid-court connections. Sophie is a committed and confident player – prepared to take the Superleague challenge head on.”

Celtic Dragons squad confirmed so far: Chelsea Lewis, Dee Bolakoro, Abby Tyrrell, Leila Thomas, Amy Clinton, Paige Kindred and Sophie Morgan.

You can watch Celtic Dragons at the Season Opener 2020 – buy tickets now!

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