Jaz Brown Faces Season-Ending Injury
England goalkeeper Jaz Brown will be sidelined for the remainder of the Netball Super League season and will miss the Commonwealth Games this summer due to a severe Achilles injury that necessitates surgery.
Brown, 24, who transferred to Leeds Rhinos from Birmingham Panthers during the off-season, suffered the injury on 15 March in a match against Nottingham Forest after slipping on the court.
This injury occurred during only her third league appearance with Leeds Rhinos. Born in Doncaster, Brown initially pursued tennis before switching to netball in her late teenage years.
She earned her first cap for England in a match against New Zealand in November 2025. Unfortunately, the injury will prevent her from representing the Roses at Glasgow 2026, as she embarks on what Leeds Rhinos anticipate to be a "lengthy" rehabilitation process.
Career Highlights and Impact on Leeds Rhinos
Brown's acquisition by Leeds Rhinos was considered a significant achievement, especially following her selection for the Netball Super League team of the season in 2025. However, the team will have to manage without her services until the following year.
Brown stated: "As tough as this moment is, I'm choosing to stay positive and more determined than ever to come back stronger to the sport I love.
"I love a challenge, and I'm looking forward to using this time to grow both mentally and physically, with my sights firmly set on the 2027 season.
"Being ruled out for the remainder of the season is difficult, especially with the timing of the Commonwealth Games coming up, but I know this is not the end of my story and I will be back for more."
Support from Leeds Rhinos and England Netball
Leeds Rhinos coach Lauren Palmer expressed disappointment over Brown's injury but praised her resilience and determination.
Palmer said: "We are all disappointed for her. She is an outstanding talent and team-mate, but she has a great attitude and is a determined player and we know will come back stronger after this setback."
Brown's injury news coincides with a significant change in England's coaching staff. Jess Thirlby, the Roses head coach, stepped down unexpectedly just four months before the Commonwealth Games.
Anna Stembridge, who served as England head coach from 2011 to 2015 and is currently Thirlby's assistant, will assume the role of interim head coach for the upcoming Games.
England's Prospects at Glasgow 2026
England secured gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast but failed to medal at the 2022 Birmingham Games.
The netball competition at Glasgow 2026 is scheduled from 25 July to 2 August. England is placed in Pool A alongside top-ranked Australia, South Africa, Malawi, Tonga, and Northern Ireland.
