Netball Super League | Strathclyde Sirens announce departure of nine players

Taken during the Netball Super League game between Strathclyde Sirens and Surrey Storm at the Emirates Arena, Glasgow, Scotland on 10th April 2023.

Strathclyde Sirens have today announced the departure of nine of the clubs’ 2023 players as they look to embrace a new chapter in the Sirens’ history book.

The departing players – Emma Barrie, Natalie Bright, Beth Dix, Claire Maxwell, Niamh McCall, Stella Oyella, Abi Robson, Helen Taylor and Abby Tyrrell – boast an impressive 313 caps for the Sirens.

Beth Dix

Co-captain for the 2023 season, Beth Dix is making the move south as she joins Mikki Austin’s Surrey Storm. After four years at Sirens and 54 caps, Beth has been hailed by Head Coach Lesley MacDonald as being ‘absolutely amazing for us’.

Dix returns to the familiar duck egg blue, as she was part of the Surrey Storm pathway before moving to Saracens Mavericks and Wasps, and is excited for the challenge ahead:

“It’s going to be a big change for me personally after living in Scotland for the past four years, but the best things happen outside your comfort zone and I’m ready to work hard on and off the court to make it happen.”

Niamh McCall

Affectionately known as the ‘Long Bomb Queen’, Niamh McCall is renowned for her edge of the circle accuracy. Notching up 62 caps for the Scottish side, McCall will now move on to new horizons after a successful summer representing Scotland at the Netball World Cup in South Africa.

No time for messing about ⏰

Niamh McCall taking this shot beautifully from distance whilst looking comfortable doing so 🫶#NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/2eubMhKt94

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) April 1, 2023

Emma Barrie

McCall’s compatriot and circle teammate Emma Barrie will also be moving on from Sirens. Barrie, who has won 49 caps with Sirens, will move onto just her second Netball Super League (NSL) club.

Head coach Lesley MacDonald has this to say:

“Emma and Niamh are both massive talents. At this stage in their netball journey’s, they both need to embrace new opportunities and challenges. We are excited for what is in store for them, wish them the very best and look forward to their return to Sirens in the future”

Stella Oyella

Ugandan international Oyella made a strong start at Sirens, winning Gilbert Player of the Match for the Glasgow side in Round Two. However, her season was unfortunately cut short after a season-ending ACL injury. We wish Stella all the best on her road to recovery.

Abi Robson, Natalie Bright, Helen Taylor and Abby Tyrrell

Abi, Natalie, Helen and Abby all have new adventures that lie ahead – whether that be focusing on their careers, travel or simply taking a pause on their netball journeys. All four of these athletes have made a strong contribution to the NSL in their time at Sirens.

Claire Maxwell

Claire Maxwell, who announced her retirement following the Netball World Cup this summer, leaves behind an strong legacy. Her six years at the Sirens culminated in 90 caps, alongside an illustrious international career that saw Maxwell become Scotland’s most capped player with 128 appearances. After a stellar season for Sirens and a brilliant World Cup performance, the Netball NSL says goodbye to one of its most well-known players.

Flying Maxwell ✈@BrownieMaxwell shows great balance to make the intercept from the centre pass ⚖️

Head over to @SkySports YouTube to watch @SevernStars against @SirensNetball #NSL2023 | #GetSomeNet pic.twitter.com/eBpUgrdZ8g

— Netball Super League (@NetballSL) February 18, 2023

You can keep up to date with all the 2024 squads and signings here.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Strathclyde Sirens and their 2023 Super League campaign catch their Inside the Circle documentary episode here.

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