Leeds Rhinos Netball land England Roses record-breaker Jade Clarke

Jade Clarke is the first major signing for the Leeds team that will take its place in the sport’s top tier in 2021.

The 36-year-old is England’s most capped player and was a member of the Roses team that won the Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2018. She joins on a one-year deal from established Superleague club Wasps.

“This is an opportunity to be part of something new and to build our own culture and environment,” said Clarke, who made her debut for England in 2002 and has made 175 appearances since including four Commonwealth Games’.

“This is a chance for me to work with different players, to learn from them and also to help them grow. I am hoping I can build relationships with young Roses players and to be a role model for the youngsters in the area and help grow the pool of talent.”

Rhinos will be Clarke’s ninth club, and fourth in English netball’s elite tier having started her career with Loughborough Lightning before moving to Northern Thunder.

She spent nine seasons Down Under playing for four different teams across New Zealand and Australia in the ANZ Championship.

The latter of those was Adelaide Thunderbirds who were coached by Dan Ryan, the man who will lead the Rhinos in their inaugural season from February.

“I know Dan from my time at Adelaide,” said Clarke, who plays centre and wing defence.

“He is a creative coach and I know he is building something special at Leeds and I can’t wait to get started.”

Ryan said: “Jade is an absolute legend of the sport and her longevity to stay at the top of her game for so long, is simply inspiring. She brings with her so much valuable experience and knowledge and I know she’s going to have a positive impact in driving performance standards.”