Jess Thirlby resigns as England netball head coach before Commonwealth Games
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 13, 2026, 10:29 AM
Last updated Jul 13, 2026
Jess Thirlby has resigned as head coach of England's netball team just 130 days before the Commonwealth Games. She described her decision as 'horrible' but necessary due to family reasons. Thirlby coached the team for over six years and led them to a silver medal at the 2023 World Cup. Anna Stembridge has been appointed as her replacement. England will begin their Commonwealth Games campaign against Northern Ireland on July 25 in Glasgow.
- •Thirlby resigned in March, citing family reasons.
- •She coached England for six and a half years, including a World Cup silver.
- •Anna Stembridge has taken over as head coach.
- •England's first Commonwealth Games match is on July 25 against Northern Ireland.
- •The team faces a challenging pool including Australia and South Africa.
- 10:29 AMYahoo Sports — Resigning 'horrible' but right decision - Thirlby
"Former England netball head coach Jess Thirlby says it is "horrible" to miss out on leading her country in the Commonwealth Games.
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