Netball Super League | Amy Clinton joins Leeds Rhinos from Celtic Dragons

Celtic Dragons v Team Bath - Netball - Saturday 29th February 2020 - Cardiff Archers Arena - Cardiff © www.sportingwales.com- PLEASE CREDIT IAN COOK

Leeds Rhinos Netball have bolstered their 2022 Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) squad with the addition of former England U21 shooter Amy Clinton.

The Oldham-born player returns to the north after making 18 appearances for Celtic Dragons last season and notching up 424 goals.

The 24 year-old began her playing career with her local club Oldham and started out as a defender before making the move to shooter. With Oldham she won several Championships before joining Manchester Thunder where she represented their three age groups in NPL before making her Superleague debut in 2016.

She moved to Loughborough Lightning in 2019 and then signed for the Dragons in 2020, where she played in all three of their 2020 games before the competition was suspended due to Covid and helped her team through the semi-final of the Fast5 competition.

Speaking about signing for Rhinos Netball, Clinton said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Rhinos and can’t wait to get started. The team did so well last year getting into the top four in their first season and I can’t wait to see what we can do next year.

“Looking at the team from the outside last season they looked to have a really good team environment and a really tight knit group. The programme looks amazing, it’s full time which I have not experienced before and it’s a lot closer to home so that will be good. I have played with a few of the girls before in my career so I am looking forward to making those connections again.

“My ambitions for the season are to continue learning, play the best I can and be the best team mate I can be. Last year was a big learning experience and my first time getting a considerable amount of court time and I am looking forward to using what I learned in the upcoming season.”

Amy was part of the England development setup for several years and played for the Under-21 squad who won the Netball Europe title in 2016 and bronze with at the Netball World Youth Cup in 2017.

Dan Busfield, Leeds Rhinos Netball’s Franchise Director, said: “Amy is a talented athlete and a prolific scorer and we are delighted she is part of our squad for next season. She has proven herself at Superleague level and brings with her plenty of experience and I think the Rhinos fans will love watching her play.”

Maggie Birkinshaw, assistant coach for Rhinos Netball, added: “Amy is a quality addition to our team. She is calm, composed and skillful in front of the goal and her shot accuracy is a key attribute in her game.

“She had an impressive season with the Dragons in 2021 and has a great attitude and plenty of ambition so I think she will fit in perfectly to our squad.”

Clinton becomes Leeds Rhinos’ sixth signing of the 2022 Signing Window after Rhea Dixon, Vicki Oyesola, Sienna Rushton, Keenan and Amelia Hall. You can see the Rhinos squad as it develops here.

For all the latest of signings during the window, make sure to follow the @NetballSL on Twitter, Instagram and visit our Transfers page.