Anna Stembridge has been appointed head coach of the Vitality Roses through to the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney. A former Wales international with 45 caps, Stembridge previously led England from 2011 to 2015, a period that included the side's historic first series win over Australia in 2013.
Stembridge has been assistant coach since September 2024 and served as interim head coach since March, after Jess Thirlby resigned unexpectedly four months before the 2026 Commonwealth Games. In Glasgow, the Vitality Roses finished fourth after losing to Australia in the bronze medal match.
Reflecting on the appointment, Stembridge said it was "an absolute honour to take on the role" and described it as the "ultimate" coaching ambition. She said she was lucky to have worked with the current group of athletes for several years and was excited to lead them to the World Cup.
Stembridge will be supported by Sky Sports pundit Tamsin Greenway and Jo Harten, both former England internationals with distinguished careers. Greenway is head coach of the London Mavericks in the Netball Super League and previously led Scotland from 2020 to 2023, while Harten is assistant coach of NSW Swifts in Super Netball. England Netball will work with both clubs to help the coaches balance domestic and international commitments.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing