The short version
- Anna Stembridge has been confirmed as England's head coach through the 2027 Netball World Cup.
- The appointment follows her interim tenure which included a fourth-place finish at the recent Commonwealth Games.
- Tamsin Greenway and Jo Harten have joined the coaching staff to support Stembridge's strategy.
England Netball has officially confirmed Anna Stembridge as the permanent head coach, extending her tenure through the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney. The decision concludes a period of uncertainty that began when Stembridge assumed interim leadership in March following the departure of Jess Thirlby. Although Stembridge had previously indicated she would reassess her position after the Commonwealth Games, the governing body has decided to retain her services despite the team's failure to secure a medal at the recent multi-sport event.
The appointment marks a return to stability for the Roses, who have been navigating a transitional phase in their leadership structure. Stembridge, 45, brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as head coach from 2011 to 2015. During that earlier spell, she guided the team to a fourth-place finish at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and achieved a historic series victory over Australia in 2013. Her familiarity with the program and the players is viewed by officials as a significant asset in preparing for the upcoming global tournament.
Stembridge’s path to this permanent position was not without scrutiny. After taking over as interim coach, she led the squad through the Commonwealth Games in August, where England fell short of their podium ambitions. In the aftermath, Stembridge stated that an open recruitment process would take place and that she would evaluate whether continuing in the role was viable. However, England Netball chair Baroness Sue Campbell determined that Stembridge remained the strongest candidate for the job, citing her clear vision for the team's future development.
To bolster the coaching unit, two prominent figures in the sport have been added to Stembridge’s staff. Tamsin Greenway, currently the head coach of the London Mavericks, and Jo Harten, an assistant with the NSW Swifts, will join the England setup. Both women are considered legends within the netball community, bringing a wealth of tactical knowledge and professional experience. Their inclusion signals a commitment to strengthening the support structure around Stembridge as she prepares the squad for international competition.
The strategic focus now shifts entirely to the 2027 Netball World Cup, scheduled to take place in Sydney from late August to early September. This tournament holds particular significance for England, who were runners-up at the previous World Cup in 2023. In that final, they were defeated by Australia, a result that likely influenced the current coaching strategy and the desire to build a more resilient team capable of challenging for gold.
Stembridge has expressed a determined outlook regarding the upcoming cycle. She emphasized that the experiences gained during the Commonwealth Games would serve as a foundation for future improvements. Her stated goal is to position the squad competitively, with an explicit aim of contending for a medal in Sydney. This focus suggests a period of rigorous training and tactical refinement ahead, as the team seeks to overcome recent setbacks.
The decision to retain Stembridge reflects a preference for continuity over change, despite the mixed results of her interim period. Her previous assistant role under Thirlby from 2024 further deepened her understanding of the current squad dynamics. By combining her historical knowledge of the program with fresh perspectives from Greenway and Harten, England Netball aims to create a cohesive unit capable of performing on the world stage.
As the team looks toward 2027, the emphasis will be on translating past successes into future achievements. The appointment provides a clear direction for the Roses, allowing players and staff to concentrate on preparation rather than leadership speculation. With the World Cup less than two years away, the coaching staff faces the immediate task of building momentum and addressing the gaps that prevented a medal finish at the Commonwealth Games.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Stembridge named England coach for 2027 Netball World Cup
