Natalie Metcalf announces she is expecting her first baby
Manchester Thunder have shared the news that Nat and Josh are set to bring another part of the Thunder fam into the world!
Natalie Metcalf has today shared the lovely news that she is expecting her first baby in May 2025 with her husband Josh.
Sharing her special news, Natalie said: “Josh and I can’t wait to welcome baby Metcalf into the world. I’m really grateful for the support I have received from club and country and hope to step back on court as a mum sometime in the future. In the meantime, I look forward to staying involved within the game and supporting my teammates from the sidelines!”
The news means that she will not be available for selection for the remainder of the 2024-25 international season, nor take to court for Manchester Thunder as the Netball Super League relaunches in 2025.
Natalie, who co-captained the Vitality Roses to a historic silver medal at the Netball World Cup in 2023 and is a three-time NSL champion, continues to be actively involved with both club and country training camps.
Karen Greig, our Franchise Director and Head coach, said, “We are delighted for Nat and Josh as they start a new chapter in their lives with a baby. We have been working closely with Nat and will be fully supporting her on her journey to motherhood. Nat is integral to our club and you will still very much see her around the club in the community, at training and joining us on match days. We can’t wait to welcome baby Metcalf to the Thunder family.”
Karen continued: “We are in no rush to replace Nat at this point and will be doing our due diligence around who is going to be the perfect replacement. We of course have full faith in our Thunder pathway and our NXT GEN squad, but we will also be taking the opportunity to take our time and observe the start of the NXT GEN league so we can make a decision based on all players that are potentially available to us.”
Natalie is receiving ongoing support from both England Netball and Manchester Thunder medical staff and Performance teams as she prepares for an exciting new chapter in her life.
Everyone at Manchester Thunder would like to wish Natalie and Josh a huge congratulations on their special news!
