Vitality Rose and Loughborough Lightning legend Beth Durant announces her retirement from netball

Sport
Netballer Beth Durant

Beth Cobden (née Durant) has announced that she’ll retire from all forms of elite-level netball following the conclusion of the 2026 Netball Super League (NSL) season.

A popular player with her teammates and fans, the 33-year-old has represented her country with pride.

The specialist wing defence made her debut on the international stage against New Zealand in 2016 and has gone on to make 51 appearances in the iconic red dress.

Durant has played a key role in several historic triumphs, including the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold and the 2021 and 2024 Taini Jamison Trophy victories.

Her domestic career has mirrored her international success, playing in both England with AO Manchester Thunder and Loughborough Lightning, and Australia with Adelaide Thunderbirds.

Beth first joined Lightning during the 2017-18 season before returning to the club in 2021, going on to make more than 119 Netball Super League appearances in purple. During her time at Loughborough, she helped the club secure three league titles in 2021, 2023 and 2024, cementing her place as one of the most influential players in Lightning history.

With five titles to date (two with AO Thunder and three with Lightning), Durant is one of the most decorated players in the NSL. She could still add to her trophy cabinet before she retires with Lightning all set for the Soft & Gentle Play-Offs.

Speaking about her news, Beth said: “Being a Vitality Rose has just been a massive honour.

“To be able to go and play with the best girls in the country against the best in the world has just been the most incredible experience and memories that I will cherish forever.

“I just want to say a huge thank you to the Vitality Roses fans for your support over the years. I've really felt the love and looking forward, we've got to get around the girls at the Commonwealth Games (2026) and the World Cup (2027).”

Commenting on Beth’s retirement, Vitality Roses Head Coach Anna Stembridge said: “Beth has been an incredible athlete, teammate, leader and friend to so many people involved in the Vitality Roses programme over the years.

“She has played an important role in historic moments, most notably the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medal, and has led by example, epitomising high performance standards both on and off the court. Always with a smile on her face, her love for the sport has shone through in all that she’s achieved.

“It has been a privilege to work with Beth, and I wish her nothing but the best as she looks ahead to her next chapter.”

Paying tribute to Beth, England Netball Chief Executive Fran Connolly added: “Over the past ten years, Beth has made an incredible impact both on and off the court.

“From entering the England pathway at U17 level, to being one of the first athletes named in the full-time Vitality Roses programme, she has dedicated a significant period of her life to our sport resulting in an outstanding career on both the domestic and international stage.

“She has made history for England as a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and played a crucial role in wins against all the top ranked teams in the world.

“She’s a much-loved player among not only her teammates but also Vitality Roses fans, which is a testament to her talent, determination, leadership and passion for the sport.

“As she steps away from the court, we wish Beth all the best and thank her for everything she has given to the Vitality Roses throughout her time in the red dress.”

Follow the final rounds of the NSL regular season and Soft & Gentle Play-Offs here.

Join thousands of fans for the biggest day in the netball season as the 2026 champions are crowned at the Soft & Gentle Grand Final at the Co-op Live, Manchester on Saturday 20 June.