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Netball Jamaica promises full package for England showdown
October 14, 2026
The Sunshine Girls are gearing up for another showdown with England in the 2026 Horizon Series, and Netball Jamaica president Karen Baugh is calling on Jamaicans to turn out in their numbers as the national team looks to reclaim the Rhone Hornsby Trophy.
Jamaica will host England’s Vitality Roses on December 5 and 6 as the Horizon Series moves to the island following its opening two matches in London on November 21 and 22.
England currently hold the title after the Roses won both matches played there in 2025 in a limited series because of the impact of Hurricane Melissa.
The Sunshine Girls had lifted the inaugural title in 2024 after defeating England 2-1 with a dramatic win on home soil.
As the two nations renew their rivalry once again, Baugh is hoping the Sunshine Girls can reclaim their lost crown.
“Everybody has an opinion on that, and it is uniform, it’s coming home,” she said of the prospect of Jamaica reclaiming the trophy.
FULL PACKAGE
Baugh said the series was about more than the action on court, with Netball Jamaica planning an entertainment package aimed at making the matches a complete experience for supporters.
“They are excited and raring to go with programmes and packages and half-time shows and entertainment for the fans,” she said of the association’s sponsors.
“Because you know netball matches are never just about netball. So, when you come, expect a full package.”
The president recalled the strong response to the previous series hosted in Jamaica, saying the demand was so high that some patrons had to be turned away.
She is encouraging fans to secure their tickets early for the December fixtures, with tickets available through the association’s online platform.
Supporters will also have the option of making a donation to the programme through the platform, even if they are unable to attend the matches.
The Horizon Series will also feature additional games with Jamaica’s development team taking on England, while the Jamaica’s male netball team, the Jamaica Suns, will face off against the England Thorns.
Baugh said the additional games would give supporters a chance to see emerging players while highlighting the depth of talent within both programmes.
The Sunshine Girls head into the series following a strong year on the international stage, including a silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Sunshine Girls head coach Sasher-Gaye Henry-Wright said preparations for England are progressing, with the team having completed six weeks of strength and conditioning before turning its attention to tactical work.
Henry-Wright is expecting a strong performance from the team and confirmed they will be at full strength when they take to the court.
“We’re analysing and we’re looking at what we have to prepare the best team for this competition,” she said.
“So, you will see our international players and we’ll have a strong-seeded team for this series.”
The Horizon Series will also form part of Jamaica’s build-up to the 2027 Netball World Cup in Australia, giving the Sunshine Girls another opportunity to test themselves against one of their major international rivals.
