23 November 2019

England's Netball Roses name Natalie Haythornthwaite as captain for international test series

Shooter Natalie Haythornthwaite has been named England Roses captain for the three test matches against South Africa.  

The 26-year-old made her international debut in 2015 and has earned 43 caps for the national team. She was part of the historic gold-medal winning squad at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. 

She also competed in England’s third-place campaign during this summer's World Cup in Liverpool.

Haythornthwaite said on her captaincy: “It's a huge honour to be named captain of the Vitality Roses for the upcoming series with South Africa.

“I am really excited about representing my country again. I can't wait to stand on court next to the other amazing athletes that make up this squad and I hope that the country will be watching and supporting us throughout it.”

Head coach Jess Thirlby said: “I believe she has developed more of the grit, robustness and resilience needed to lead on some of the biggest stages and there is more depth to her leadership now.  

“She represents the values and behaviours we care about most as a Roses team and leads by example out on court.”

England will open the test series against South Africa on November 29.

Shortly after the test-series is finished, the Red Roses will return to face New Zealand, Jamaica and South Africa in the Vitality Nations Cup in London and Birmingham in January 2020.

England Roses squad:

George Fisher, Eleanor Cardwell, Kadeen Corbin, Sophie Drakeford-Lewis, Natalie Haythornthwaite (Capt.), Jade Clarke, Laura Malcolm (Vice-Capt.), Natalie Panagarry, Stacey Francis, Kate Shimmin, Fran Williams, Razia Quashie, Gabriella Marshall, Summer Artman.

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