Two contracts confirmed
Rising star Abi Robson and experienced international Amanda Varey are the two latest players to be confirmed in the Team Bath Netball squad for the 2019 Vitality Superleague season. Nineteen-year-old Robson made her Superleague debut last season and plays at both wing-defence and centre. She has international age-group experience with England, helping both the under-17 and U21 teams to victory in Netball Europe competitions and touring New Zealand with the Roses at U19 level. “I’m really excited to be back in the Superleague squad for 2019,” said Robson. “I learnt so much during my first season and I’m looking forward to gaining more opportunities in the year ahead. It is a great squad to be part of, everyone gets on so well, and it is an incredible training environment.” Varey – who played for Wales at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games – is returning for her fourth spell with Team Bath having previously won the Superleague title in Blue & Gold in 2010 and 2013. The wing-attack spent last season with Celtic Dragons but continued to do some of her training at the University of Bath and is thrilled to be back in the colours she first represented 12 years ago. “I feel incredibly honoured to have the opportunity to be back in the Blue & Gold dress this season,” said Varey. “The University of Bath and the Team Bath franchise have played such an integral role in my netball career to date. “I look forward to helping ensure the values and standards that have been engrained in me when I first started here in 2006 are not only maintained, but elevated to even higher levels this season, in the pursuit of bringing home that sixth title and helping more team-mates achieve their international ambitions.” Head coach Jess Thirlby added: “Abi is one of our bright young talents and has been improving year on year for the last few seasons. She has a great attitude to learning, a great work ethic and she leads by example. “Abi is a determined defender who applies herself to any challenge thrown at her. She is a great role model for all those athletes in our Academy and beyond, and has a bright future with this team. “We are so pleased to welcome Amanda back after spending time with Celtic Dragons to support her national squad aspirations with Wales, which we are very proud of. She is one of the longest serving and most loyal Team Bath players of all time. “Her commitment, energy and dedication to being the best she can be for the team is second to none and she will add strength to our attacking unit.” Fans will have a first chance to watch Robson, Varey in action at the Team Bath Arena when the Sitec-sponsored Blue & Gold host a tri-tournament on Saturday, December 15, facing Surrey Storm and benecosmavericks. For ticket details, including season tickets, visit netball.teambath.com.