Former captain Sara Bayman and shooter Helen Housby will return to Manchester Thunder for the Fast5 All-Stars Netball Tournament in the autumn.
The pair will join eight current Thunder players in the squad of 10 as the ‘All Star’ additions, with Emma Dovey, Kerry Almond, Dani Bloomfield, Bea Skingsley, Gabby Marshall, Sophie Morgan, Kathryn Turner and Amy Clinton also selected by head coach Karen Greig.
England internationals Housby and Bayman both headed Down Under to play in the Australian and New Zealand domestic leagues for the 2017 season.
Bayman, a stalwart player for the Black and Yellows, captained Thunder to the Superleague title in 2014.
That was also a breakthrough season for a then teen Housby, who has since gone on to play for England at the World Cup in Australia.
Wigan-born Bayman, who played for ANZ Championship side Central Pulse last season, said: “I’m really excited to be back in the Thunder colours and I’m looking forward to what promises to be a great tournament.
“It will be a lot of fun for both players and spectators. I’ve missed Manchester and the Thunder girls, so it’ll be great to be back amongst the group.”
For 22-year-old Housby, a trip to London’s O2 and the chance to play for Thunder again was too good an opportunity to miss.
“I’m super excited to be back in the Black and Yellow, even if it is just for a day. I’m looking forward to seeing some old team mates and coaches and playing at an amazing arena.
“I’ve never played at the O2 so I can’t wait for that day to come around.”
Fast5 All-Stars takes place on Saturday, September 23 at the O2 Arena in London.
Report courtesy of Manchester Thunder
