Vitality Roses squad confirmed for Jamaica Series

Head Coach of the Vitality Roses Jess Thirlby has named the squad that will take on Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls in January.

Starting on Wednesday 11 January, the Vitality Roses, who have recently moved up to third in the world rankings, take on Commonwealth Games silver medalists Jamaica in a three-match series. Limited tickets remain for the opener in Manchester – don’t miss out and book now.

The two sides last met in 2021 when the Vitality Roses came out with a 2-1 victory over three matches – their first series win against the Sunshine Girls since 2013.

Leeds Rhinos’ Elle McDonald has been called up for her first international series after featuring at the FAST5 Netball World Series last month.

Vitality Roses Head Coach, Jess Thirlby commented: “As we move closer to the Netball World Cup, this series against Jamaica gives us the opportunity to continue testing our combinations, build on what we’re doing well and implement some of the learnings from a robust autumn series against both Uganda and Australia, having been back in camp through November.

“This series will be a much welcomed and exciting test for us. Jamaica have a hugely talented squad, combining some familiar faces with some new emerging names who we’ll learn more about over the course of the series.”

As part of the Vitality Netball International Series with Jamaica, a series of curtain raiser games will take place involving England A, led by Kat Ratnapala, and the Future Roses, led by Sheonah Forbes.

England A will take on the Scottish Thistles – a team England have drawn in their pool for the Netball World Cup next year – in Manchester on Wednesday 11 January before the Future Roses play the England Thorns – the England men’s netball team – in London on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 January. The England A team will also take on Wales and Jamaica in behind-closed-door training matches on Sunday 8 and Monday 9 January. Nat Panagarry, who is part of the England A squad, will be available for selection for the game with Wales.

Performance Director David Parsons explained: “We have great depth in talent across our national programmes and next month gives us the opportunity to expose more players in our pathway to the conditions of international netball. This will allow us to see more combinations on court, observe the development of our athletes and give our coaching team more time to work with a wider group of players as we continue to build towards the Netball World Cup and beyond.”

More information on all the players selected can be found on our biography pages.

Tickets for Saturday 14 January and Sunday 15 January at London’s Copper Box Arena have already sold out, with the remaining tickets to Manchester selling quickly. Get your tickets here.