Jess Thirlby steps down as England Netball head coach before 2026 Commonwealth Games - 'Immensely proud'
Updated 17/03/2026 at 19:06 GMT
England Netball have confirmed that Jess Thirlby has stepped down as The Roses' head coach after six-and-a-half years at the helm. The decision comes as somewhat of a surprise considering the countdown to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow is on. Assistant coach Anna Stembridge will take over from Thirlby, who led England to a historic silver medal at the 2023 World Cup.
Jess Thirlby
Image credit: Getty Images
Jess Thirby has stepped down as England Netball head coach just four months before the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, live on TNT Sports and HBO Max
Assistant coach Anna Stembridge, who was in the role between 2011 and 2015, will take over for the Games, which take place in Glasgow between July 25 until August 2.
Thirby succeeded Tracey Neville - who led England to Commonwealth glory in 2018 - six-and-a-half years ago and has been the longest-serving head coach in the team's history.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Thirlby explained her decision to step away.
"It is with a heavy heart that I share my decision to step down from my role as head coach at England Netball, effective immediately," she said.
"It has been an incredible six and a half years and the greatest privilege to be the Roses' longest-serving head coach.
"I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together - particularly the historic World Cup silver medal we fought so hard for, which resulted in our joint-highest world ranking. 
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"The dedication, passion and excellence this team has shown has been nothing short of inspirational.  No matter how much we love what we do, we are all still human.
"This is not a decision I had ever thought I would have to make but I need to turn my attention onto supporting my incredible family. 
"On reflection, I was mistaken to not prioritise and process the loss of my father at the time of his death, instead, and without regret, travelling with the team for the World Cup and the subsequent series in New Zealand.
"Everything I have done since has been to prioritise the England Roses and with this in mind, I feel that stepping down as head coach now is best for me and my family."
During Thirlby's reign, England won a historic silver medal at the 2023 World Cup before finding success at the 2025 Netball Nations Cup.
Although Thirlby will not be leading the team to the Commonwealth Games, she said she was "proud of the foundations we have built together".
"The systems, structures and culture of excellence we have developed have created a strong and resilient team, capable of competing with the best on the international stage," she continued.
"The work put in by the players and staff has been exceptional, and I know the group will approach the Games with commitment and belief.   I feel confident that the team is in a good place and well prepared for the next phase of their journey.
"This will ensure that the incredible momentum we have built continues, and that the team has the best possible preparation for the Games."
Fran Connolly, Netball England chief executive officer, thanked Thirlby for her contributions, praising her "leadership and professionalism."
"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 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."
Watch the 2026 Commonwealth Games on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
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