Quick Read
- Jess Thirlby has resigned as England Netball head coach to focus on her family following the death of her father.
- Anna Stembridge, who led the team from 2011-2015, has been appointed to manage the squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
- England is looking to secure a medal in Glasgow after failing to reach the podium at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Jess Thirlby has resigned as England Netball head coach, effective immediately, just four months before the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The departure of the Roses’ longest-serving head coach, who took the helm in 2019, marks a significant leadership shift for a program aiming to reclaim its status as a global medal contender.
Leadership Transition and Commonwealth Games Strategy
In a statement released on March 17, 2026, Thirlby confirmed that her decision was driven by the need to prioritize her family following the death of her father. She expressed regret that she did not properly process the loss at the time, noting that her continued commitment to the team during the 2023 World Cup and subsequent international series had taken a toll. England Netball CEO Fran Connolly thanked Thirlby for her dedication, acknowledging her role in securing a historic World Cup silver medal and multiple series victories against top-five ranked nations.
Anna Stembridge Appointed to Lead the Roses
To ensure continuity, England Netball has appointed assistant coach Anna Stembridge to lead the team through the upcoming Commonwealth Games. Stembridge brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as head coach from 2011 to 2015, during which she led England to a gold medal at the 2011 World Netball Series. She will be supported by former Roses captain Olivia Murphy, who joins the coaching staff as an assistant. The organization confirmed that a search for a permanent head coach will commence following the conclusion of the Games.
Stakes for England Netball in Glasgow
The transition arrives at a critical juncture for the Vitality Roses, who are seeking redemption after failing to reach the podium at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Despite achieving a maiden Nations Cup title in 2025, the team recently faced challenges, including a series loss to South Africa in February. Stembridge now faces the immediate task of stabilizing the squad and refining their tactical approach to ensure the team is prepared for the high-pressure environment of the Glasgow tournament, which begins on July 25.
The appointment of Stembridge offers a pragmatic, low-friction solution to an unforeseen leadership crisis, though the timing leaves a narrow window for the new staff to address the tactical inconsistencies that surfaced during the team’s recent international fixtures.