England's Natalie Metcalf will miss next season as she is due to give birth to her first child; Metcalf has played a key role for Manchester Thunder; watch Netball Super League in 2025 on Sky Sports
Friday 8 November 2024 19:01, UK
England and Manchester Thunder star Natalie Metcalf has announced she is pregnant so will miss the newly-revamped 2025 Netball Super League (NSL) season.
Three-time NSL champion Metcalf co-captained England to a historic silver at the 2023 World Cup but will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 international season.
The 31-year-old played a key role in Manchester Thunder finishing runner-up in the NSL last season and will continue to be involved in training camps for club and country.
The relaunched NSL, dubbed 'NSL 2.0' which begins in March 2025, will feature eight teams in a revised season format with 50 per cent of the matches to be played at major arenas, with coverage live on Sky Sports, but will not initially feature Metcalf.
"Josh and I can't wait to welcome baby Metcalf into the world," she said.
"I'm really grateful for the support I have received from club and country and hope to step back on court as a mum sometime in the future.
"In the meantime, I look forward to staying involved within the game and supporting my team-mates from the sidelines!"
Metcalf has been playing netball since 2010, with six seasons at the Yorkshire Jets, before spells with Wasps Netball and New South Wales Swifts in between her first year with Manchester Thunder in 2016 and a return in 2022.
She won gold with England at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and will help prepare the Vitality Roses when they face Jamacia next weekend.
"On behalf of myself and the Vitality Roses, we want to congratulate Nat and Josh on their beautiful news!" said England head coach Jess Thirlby.
"We couldn't be happier for Nat and her family and wish them all well on their journey to parenthood.
"Nat is and continues to be an important part of our team and as one of our valued leaders has been helping to support the team in their preparation for the upcoming series.
"Having had the pleasure of working with Nat over a long period of time, I know not only how respected she is as a player but also as a person who has the kindest soul. She will make an incredible mum."
