England are dealt a HUGE blow in their quest to retain the Commonwealth Games title this summer… as captain Serena Guthrie announces her early ‘surprise’ retirement from netball after becoming pregnant
- England captain Serena Guthrie has announced her retirement from netball
- The 32-year-old was a key player for the Roses as they won gold back in 2018
- Guthrie was set to lead her country at the Commonwealth Games this summer
England captain Serena Guthrie has announced she is pregnant and retiring from netball – dealing a huge blow to the Roses’ hopes of retaining their Commonwealth title.
The 32-year-old was a key player for England when they won their historic gold medal on the Gold Coast in 2018 and was set to lead her country at the Games in Birmingham this summer.
However, Guthrie – widely considered as the world’s best centre – has now called time on her illustrious 15-year career, which saw her win 110 international caps and appear at three World Cups and two Commonwealth Games.
England captain Serena Guthrie has announced she is pregnant and retiring from netball
‘Being a mum is an amazing new chapter in my life and I’m really excited about what that’s going to bring to me,’ admitted the Team Bath player.
‘The news came as a bit of a surprise but an amazing surprise. I’d always planned to go through to the Commonwealth Games this year but my partner Bob and I were also planning to start a family as well.
‘It’s a little bit earlier than expected but we’re both really excited and super happy about moving into parenthood and parent life.
‘I’d always intended to retire after the Commonwealths, so I have made the decision to roll that retirement forward and I will be stepping away from the elite game and international game.
‘I’ve made so many incredible memories and done so many incredible things throughout my career.
Guthrie insists she always intended to retire after the Commonwealth Games, but decided to bring it forward after becoming pregnant
‘It’s been an absolute pleasure and honour to have been able to play netball domestically and internationally for so long.
‘It’s been a real privilege to be the Roses captain for as long as I have and I want to thank everyone for their support in helping to make my journey in netball so special.’
England head coach Jess Thirlby admitted Guthrie’s retirement is a big loss to the team ahead of Birmingham 2022.
‘Serena is the ultimate team player, always putting the needs of the team above herself,’ she said. ‘Whilst we will miss her hugely, it is a time to celebrate all that Serena has contributed not only to the Vitality Roses but to the sport overall.
‘Her legacy will continue to live on in generations of players to come, such is the impact she has had on and beyond the court.
‘There is nothing more important in life than life itself and to be fortunate enough to begin the journey of parenthood is always such a special moment.’