Forest sign Ané Retief

Nottingham Forest Netball have announced their first signing for 2026.

The South African defender spent time at Manchester Thunder for the 2025 NSL season, and in the last year has been called up to the national team for fixtures against Malawi and at the Fast5 Netball World Series.

Also a part of the South Africa squad that reached the final of the 2025 Vitality Netball Nations Cup, Retief joins Forest with a wealth of top-level experience.

Head Coach Chelsea Pitman said: “Bringing Ané Retief into the Forest family is a massive win for us. She’s got grit about her, defensive presence and that classic South African playing style and work ethic.

“From my first conversation with her, I knew she was someone we wanted to pursue in getting her here for next season. I can’t wait to see her at Forest and see what she brings.”