Clarke: There’s a target on our backs, we’re the ones to beat
ENGLAND Commonwealth gold medallist and mid-court star Jade Clarke is set to star again for Wasps Netball next season.
Clarke joined from Adelaide Thunderbirds ahead of the 2018 season and proved a key player as Wasps secured back-to-back titles in the Vitality Netball Superleague.
The 34-year-old was part of the all-conquering England Roses team at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Clarke, who plays at Centre, believes that the Ricoh Arena is the perfect place for her to continue her netball career.
“I’m really enjoying being back playing in the Superleague. I think one of my goals was to just feel really comfortable, happy and to enjoy my netball – and I got all that from Wasps last season,” she said.
“There is just a great culture around the club, it has taught me a lot about being confident and never knowing when you are beaten. All the other teams will be recruiting and will be even better, so we have to improve too. I’m up for the challenge. It’s going to be really tough. There will be a target on our backs and we will be the team to beat.”
Clarke will be aiming to represent her country at the Netball World Cup in Liverpool next year - adding to her already record number of 150 caps for the Roses.
She praised the support Wasps gave her following the historic Commonwealth Games win and the impact of new head coach Mel Mansfield.
“Even though it was an amazing season it was quite difficult coming straight back from the Commonwealth Games into the Superleague. They really looked after me, made sure I was healthy and had everything I needed,” she said. “Mel is a great people person and looks after her players. I think that the transition from year-to-year is going to be really consistent, with a lot of last year’s group staying together.”
Wasps head coach Mel Mansfield added: “Jade is the most capped English player of all time and for good reason, she is the kind of player every coach would want in their team.
“Despite all her experience, Jade wants to learn, improve and make everyone that plays and trains alongside her better.
“She is a fantastic character who leads by example. Jade is a winner, when we needed something magical to happen last season she delivered in those key moments. Jade has shown great loyalty to Wasps by signing up for next season and we look forward to supporting her as a club on the road to the World Cup.”