Vitality Roses Brace for Tough Jamaica Test as Thirlby Eyes Strong Rebound from New Zealand Defeat

The Vitality Roses enter their next challenge with clear intent: bounce back, reset, and toughen up. After a narrow 2–1 series loss to New Zealand, England now face world No.3 Jamaica in back-to-back Tests at London’s Copper Box Arena — a matchup head coach Jess Thirlby calls both demanding and essential.

For Thirlby, choosing difficult opponents is not a setback but a strategy.

“The quality of who you play is so important,” she said. “Every top team has marquee players we simply cannot replicate in training. Playing the best is where we learn the most.”

Why Jamaica Matters Now

The Sunshine Girls have long been the global fan-favourite “underdog”, bursting with flair and unpredictability. After beating New Zealand to claim 2023 Netball World Cup bronze, Jamaica arrive in London with confidence — and global neutrality on their side.

“Jamaica always seem to get the support of everyone,” Thirlby smiled.
“No matter the country, they bring a brilliant environment.”

With England hosting both matches — following the cancellation of the Jamaican leg due to Hurricane Melissa — the series also carries a deeper purpose.
£1 from every ticket will go to World Central Kitchen, supporting communities rebuilding after the storm.

A High-Pressure Path to the Commonwealth Games

England’s 2025–26 schedule is not for the faint-hearted. After New Zealand, the Roses face Jamaica and South Africa, meaning they will have played all but one of the world’s top-five sides this international season. Only Australia remains.

“Playing New Zealand, Jamaica and South Africa before the Commonwealths is a really healthy place to be,” Thirlby insisted.
“There’s not a single team now that you can afford not to play.”

South Africa’s rise, New Zealand’s push to reclaim dominance, and Jamaica’s constant outside-chance energy all form the competitive ecosystem England must conquer.

Roses’ Recent Form and What’s Ahead

England showed moments of brilliance in their November series but fell short in the decider against the experienced Silver Ferns. With domestic leagues resuming after the Jamaica Tests, this international window is crucial for sharpening combinations, testing depth, and building mental resilience.

The Vitality Netball Horizon Series — a four-year agreement intended to split matches between England and Jamaica — continues in modified form this year, with both fixtures now hosted in London.