England Netball can confirm that Jess Thirlby has stepped down from her role as Vitality Roses Head Coach.
We respect and support Jess’ decision and thank her for her leadership during her six-and a half year tenure. Jess guided the Vitality Roses through one of the most challenging periods in modern sport, navigating the team through the COVID-19 pandemic and returning to international play in 2020. She also led the team to a historic silver medal at the 2023 Netball World Cup and played an important role in the development of the senior programme.
England Netball CEO, Fran Connolly, commented: “I want to thank Jess for her time as Vitality Roses Head Coach and for the dedication and commitment she has shown to the programme and the wider game over the past six and a half years. During her tenure, the side reached a historic Netball World Cup final, secured multiple series victories, and recorded wins against every nation ranked in the world’s top five.
“We are grateful for the leadership and professionalism Jess has shown throughout her time as Head Coach, and for the significant contribution she has made to the continued growth and development of the Roses programme. We wish Jess and her family the very best for the future.
“We now look ahead to building on these strong foundations as the Vitality Roses enter the next phase of their journey.”
For full statement from Jess please click here.
As an organisation, we remain focused on ensuring the Vitality Roses are well prepared for the period ahead. With the Commonwealth Games four months away, current Assistant Coach Anna Stembridge will step into the role of Head Coach through to the Games, providing continuity and leadership for the programme.
Stembridge previously served as England Head Coach from 2011–2015, leading the team to a historic first series win over Australia in 2013 and the nation’s first world-stage gold medal at the World Netball Series in Liverpool 2011. She also brings extensive coaching experience in the Netball Super League, alongside 45 caps for Wales.
To further strengthen support around the squad, former Roses captain Olivia Murphy will join the set-up as Assistant Coach on a secondment from Loughborough Sport. Murphy brings a wealth of experience across the elite game, having previously contributed to the Vitality Roses programme as Technical Coach in 2021 and 2023, alongside her current role as Deputy Director of Sport at Loughborough University. She also coached Loughborough Lightning from its inception and previously served as the Netball Super League side’s Head Coach.
Former Australian Diamonds captain Sharni Layton continues as Specialist Coach, a role she has held with the Vitality Roses since 2024. A two-time Netball World Cup winner and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Layton brings extensive international experience to the programme. She is joined by 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jo Harten, who earned 117 caps for England and previously served as Specialist Coach in 2023–24, helping guide the Roses to a historic Netball World Cup silver.
Alongside the coaching team, the established performance support around the squad remains in place to ensure preparations continue uninterrupted. Our priority is supporting players and staff as we build towards Glasgow and, in the longer term, the 2027 Netball World Cup in Australia. Over the coming months, the Vitality Roses will continue competing across the Netball Super League and Suncorp Super Netball.
David Parsons, England Netball Performance Director added; “With the Commonwealth Games approaching, it is important that the programme continues to move forward with stability and clarity. I am delighted that Anna will step into the role of Head Coach through to the Games, providing continuity for the squad during this important period. She will be supported by a strong coaching group including Liv, Sharni and Jo, ensuring the players and staff continue to receive the support and expertise needed as preparations build towards Glasgow.”
England Netball will begin the recruitment process for a permanent Head Coach following the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in August.
With thanks to England Netball
