Rachel Dunn signs on for 2019 season

Superstar shooter Rachel Dunn will return to action for Wasps Netball next season – and has no plans to hang up her dress just yet ahead of her 16th year.

Dunn joins a host of other key players who will return for the Vitality Netball Superleague champions in 2019, as new head coach Mel Mansfield looks to retain the core of the two-time league winning side.

The attacking star has enjoyed two successful years at the Ricoh Arena and has her sights firmly set on a third consecutive title with Wasps when the new season gets underway in January.

“I’m extremely happy to be returning again this year. The team is on a roll at the moment and it’s exciting to be part of that,” said Dunn.

“The group we’ve got together is up there with the best I’ve played with. To have won two consecutive titles is a fantastic achievement, especially when all the teams are improving each year. It’s never an easy thing to win a title, and none of our opponents will want us to come away with the third, so I’m sure every game will be a battle. Repeating what we achieved last year is going to be a huge test but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

“Mel has been a part of the group for a long time now, so I don’t expect the culture and the group to change significantly, Mel will put her own mark on things and we’re in a really good position approaching the new season.”

Dunn has been one of the top shooters in the game for over a decade and twice won bronze with England at the Commonwealth Games.

Last season proved another highlight for Dunn, appearing in all of Wasps’ Superleague clashes and scoring 427 goals along the way – averaging a shot conversion rate of 89%.

The 35-year-old shooter trusts she still has a lot to give to the sport.
“I reflect at the end of each season at this stage in my career to see how the body and mind are. I’m feeling very good and looking forward to getting back on the court with the rest of the team,” said Dunn.

“The fans at the Ricoh are the one of the main reasons we play, the support they have given us has been awesome since the inception of Wasps. Matchdays are always special and the crowds that turn up were a massive factor in wanting to stay.”

Head coach Mansfield believes Dunn is a role model for all young players and will be a key player in the upcoming season.

“Rachel is the ultimate athlete. She’s the first in and last out in training and a professional in every way,” said Mansfield.
“She’s the most decorated Superleague player to date and knows what it takes to play at the highest level and win games. She is the most lethal English shooter in this league and still playing her finest netball.”

“If any young shooters out there want to know how to get to the top of their game just watch Rachel Dunn. Nobody does it better.”