Netball Super League | Clare Jones returns for Dragons

Celtic Dragons have announced that Clare Jones will be returning to the franchise for the 2021 season after a couple of seasons out of the Superleague.

Jones, 29, enjoyed a fantastic season in the Wales senior team in 2019, featuring heavily in Wales’ undefeated Netball Europe campaign which saw the national side win the silver medal in Belfast.

Since her last Superleague appearance, Jones has been focusing on her career. Studying at the University of Exeter to become a doctor in clinical psychology, she has nevertheless maintained a busy netball schedule. Jones has played with team-mate Shona O’Dwyer at Huccleclote Netball Club, captained the University of Exeter squad and has also featured for the English Universities netball team.

Looking forward to returning to the Dragons, Jones said: “I am very excited to be returning to the Vitality Netball Superleague with the Celtic Dragons. I signed for Dragons as it has always been a club close to my heart. I take pride in wearing the Celtic Dragons dress and I am really looking forward to representing them this season.”

Jones has developed her leadership experience in the time since she last played Superleague netball and will look to bring her insight to the Dragons set-up as she has done with her national side.

Jones said: “I hope to return to Celtic Dragons and make a positive impact. I am looking forward to being back in the environment and hope to add value both on and off the court. It’ll be great to link back up with previous team-mates and also build relationships with new teammates and management. I would like to contribute in particular to the defensive area of the squad.

“I hope my previous experience offers a style of play that is attractive to the Celtic Dragons game plans.”

Celtic Dragons’ Director of Netball, Tania Hoffman is looking forward to adding Jones’ experience to her team for 2021. Hoffman said: “I am really pleased that Clare will be joining us for 2021. Clare is professional in everything she does both on and off the court and having her with us will be a big plus for the group. She has played in a number of different teams and will have developed a great deal of insight during her time with the national side, as well as with previous Dragons and club squads.

“Clare has developed into a very good defender who can work across the court to provide us with options in the league campaign. She will also take her younger team-mates under her wing and play a big role in the development of players across the entire franchise.”

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