England and Manchester Thunder star Natalie Metcalf has introduced she is pregnant so will miss the newly-revamped 2025 Netball Tremendous League (NSL) season.
Three-time NSL champion Metcalf co-captained England to a historic silver on the 2023 World Cup however will miss the rest of the 2024-25 worldwide season.
The 31-year-old performed a key function in Manchester Thunder ending runner-up within the NSL final season and can proceed to be concerned in coaching camps for membership and nation.
The relaunched NSL, dubbed ‘NSL 2.0’ which begins in March 2025, will characteristic eight groups in a revised season format with 50 per cent of the matches to be performed at main arenas, with protection stay on Sky Sports activities, however is not going to initially characteristic Metcalf.
“Josh and I can’t wait to welcome baby Metcalf into the world,” she mentioned.
“I am actually grateful for the help I’ve obtained from membership and nation and hope to step again on court docket as a mum someday sooner or later.
“In the meantime, I look forward to staying involved within the game and supporting my team-mates from the sidelines!”
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Metcalf has been taking part in netball since 2010, with six seasons on the Yorkshire Jets, earlier than spells with Wasps Netball and New South Wales Swifts in between her first 12 months with Manchester Thunder in 2016 and a return in 2022.
She gained gold with England on the 2018 Commonwealth Video games and can assist put together the Vitality Roses after they face Jamacia subsequent weekend.
“On behalf of myself and the Vitality Roses, we want to congratulate Nat and Josh on their beautiful news!” mentioned England head coach Jess Thirlby.
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“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 necessary a part of our group and as one in every of our valued leaders has been serving to to help the group of their preparation for the upcoming collection.
“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.”
