Jade Clarke confirms return to Loughborough Lightning

Jade Clarke has re-signed with Loughborough Lightning in the Netball Superleague.

The England international re-joins after a five-year spell playing in the ANZ Championship in New Zealand, taking in spells with Waikato Magic, Northern Mystics and Canterbury Tactix.

The mid-courter began her career with Lightning after studying at Loughborough University, where she graduated in 2006. She went on to captain the team.

Clarke has amassed 123 England caps including four Netball World Cups and three Commonwealth Games.

Karen Atkinson and Olivia Murphy have inspired me as team-mates and captains, and I know they will do so again as coaches.

"After six years I'm so happy to make my return to the Loughborough Lightning family," she said.

"Karen Atkinson and Olivia Murphy have inspired me as team-mates and captains, and I know they will do so again as coaches.

"Lightning has a base of up and coming young players, a brilliant coup in New Zealander Jo Trip, and I believe I can bring international experience to the mid court. We've lots of hard work ahead of us but I know there are some exciting times ahead." 

Lightning coach Atkinson added: "She is a world-class player who leads by example and who is always trying to improve and get the best out of herself.  

"Not only will she bring undoubted quality to our mid-court, she is also the type of player that can bring the best out of those around her.  She is a true leader both on and off the court."

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