Team Guide: LexisNexis Cardiff Dragons

Cardiff Dragons are long-standing servants of the Netball Super League, but will hope to add to their sole Grand Final appearance under new head coach Reinga Bloxham.

With three new additions to the team to go alongside an array of internationals, Dragons will be a match for any side this season after steady improvement under Jill McIntosh last term.

Head Coach 

Cardiff Dragons will be under the watchful eye of Reinga Bloxham, who took over from Jill McIntosh last July.

The New Zealander, who is a former Silver Fern international and A team coach, took her first NSL head coach role after success with Southern Steel in the ANZ Premiership, winning titles in 2017 and 2018.

Bloxham previously served as assistant coach to the Welsh Feathers at the 2023 Netball World Cup.

Captain 

Australian Jacqui Newton will captain Cardiff Dragons after being appointed to the role in January this year.

The defender, who joined the team in 2024, can play both goal defence and goal keeper and boasts experience in Suncorp Super Netball with Collingwood Magpies.

Star Player 

Khanyisa 'KC' Chawane enjoyed a stellar debut NSL season in 2024, and will be determined to build on that this year.

The wing attack was the key cog in Dragons' attack, dictating play with her speed and accurate feeds.

The South African has also impressed for the Proteas on the international stage.

One To Watch 

Alex Johnson is getting ready for her NSL debut with Cardiff Dragons and 2025 could be the year she elevates her standing in the game.

The 22-year-old defender was a training partner at back-to-back NSL champions Loughborough Lightning in 2023 and 2024 but is now keen to strike out and assert herself on court.

Johnson is a current History and Politics student at Loughborough University and will want to emulate her recent success this year.

New Name 

Bethan Dyke comes home to Cardiff Dragons after stints at Severn Stars and Team Bath and offers her new side a lot of options in the mid-court.

The Welsh Feathers co-captain can play either wing attack or centre, and brings bags of experience having played at the three Commonwealth Games and two Netball World Cups.

Having battled back from multiple serious injuries during her career, Dyke will bring fight and determination in bucket loads to the court this year.

Venues 

Cardiff Dragons will play their home games at two venues across the Welsh capital during the 2025 season.

They will play three games at the Utilita Arena, including their clash with reigning champions Loughborough Lightning on 24 May.

Their other four games will be played at House of Sport, famous for its raucous atmosphere.

First home game 

Dragons’ first home game will be against London Mavericks at House of Sport on 14 March, starting at 7pm.

To buy tickets, click here: Tickets: Netball Super League: Cardiff Dragons v London Mavericks, Cardiff | Fri, 14 Mar 2025, 19:00 | Ticketmaster UK

Image: Jan Kruger