Netball’s Ashleigh Neal has signed for Manchester Thunder ahead of the Vitality Superleague season starting in 2020.

The 30-year-old has played with Saracens Mavericks, Team Northumbria and most recently new London franchise side, London Pulse.

Neal said: "I'm super excited and honoured to be joining the Thunder family. One of my passions is to encourage the future generations of netball stars to be spotted and developed and that’s something I can’t wait to be part of in Manchester and across the North West.”

Thunder will be looking to defend their title and add to their winning record after holding the Superleague title in 2012, 2014 and 2018.

Manchester Director of Netball Karen Greig said: “Ashleigh is a very smart player both on and off the ball and is capable of cutting up defences with pin-point passes.

“There are few players around that can offer both wing attack and goal attack positions solidly so she will be a great fit for us with her versatility across the attacking line.”