England and Manchester Thunder star Natalie Metcalfe has announced she will sit out the newly renewed 2025 Netball Super League (NSL) season because she is pregnant.
Metcalfe, a three-time NSL champion who co-captained England to a historic silver medal at the 2023 World Cup, will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 international season.
The 31-year-old played a key role in helping Manchester Thunder finish runners-up in the NSL last season and will continue to take part in club and national team training camps.
The relaunched NSL, dubbed ‘NSL 2.0’, will start in March 2025, with eight teams participating in a revised season format, with 50 per cent of matches to be played in major arenas and broadcast live. sky sportsbut will not initially feature Metcalf.
“Josh and I can’t wait to welcome baby Metcalf into the world,” she said.
“I am truly grateful for the support I have received from my club and country and I hope to return to the court as a mother in the future.
“In the meantime, I look forward to staying involved in the game and supporting my teammates from the sidelines!”
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Metcalfe has been playing netball since 2010, spending six seasons with the Yorkshire Jets before joining Wasps Netball and the New South Wales Swifts between her first year with Manchester Thunder in 2016 and her return in 2022. I played in
She won gold with England at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and will help Vitality Roses prepare to take on Jamacia next weekend.
“On behalf of myself and Vitality Roses, I would like to congratulate Nat and Josh on their great news!” England head coach Jess Thirlby said.
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“We couldn’t be happier for Nat and his family and wish them all the best on their journey to parenthood.
“Nat is and will continue to be an important part of our team and one of our valued leaders supporting our team as we prepare for the next series.
“Having had the pleasure of working with Nat for so long, I have learned how much she is respected, not only as an athlete, but as a person with the kindest soul. She will be an amazing mother. .”
