Seventeen‑year‑old Gracie Smith has earned a place in England’s Roses programme for the 2026‑27 season after a breakout Netball Super League campaign. The London Pulse winger debuted in 2025, helped the side clinch the title as a 16‑year‑old, and added 12 more appearances this year. Her rapid ascent lands her among the 21 athletes slated for full‑time training and support.

Head coach Anna Stembridge praised the cohort, saying the mix of youth and experience equips England for the Commonwealth Games and the 2027 World Cup. Four veterans – Imogen Allison, Sasha Glasgow, Helen Housby and Fran Williams – will train overseas in Australia, while domestic stars such as Alice Harvey and Jayda Pechova return from the Future Roses pathway.

England Netball also overhauled its Future Roses structure, rebranding it as the A.Roses pathway to better bridge the gap to senior duty. The updated list features returning defenders Alice Harvey and Jayda Pechova, plus Loughborough Lightning’s Ella Clark, who re‑joined the programme after a strong 2025 season.

Smith’s inclusion underscores the Roses programme’s focus on fast‑tracking NSL talent into the senior set‑up. With London Pulse contributing three players, the squad reflects a shift toward home‑grown depth. The final roster positions England to field a balanced side at upcoming internationals, confirming the federation’s commitment to nurturing domestic prospects.