England Netball and Loughborough Lightning star Beth Cobden heading to Australia

England Commonwealth Games gold medallist Beth Cobden has signed for Adelaide Thunderbirds after two years with Loughborough Lightning.

Having won gold on the Gold Coast in April, Cobden went on to help Lightning secure a spot in the Superleague Grand Final, only to leave the court injured as her side had to settle for the runners-up spot for the second consecutive season.

After successful surgery on a ruptured ACL, Cobden is already fully immersed in an extensive rehab programme, which she will continue to do as part of the Lightning squad until she swaps the East Midlands for Adelaide at the turn of the year.

Playing at wing defence, Cobden has been pivotal in Lightning's success over the last two seasons, reaching the Vitality Netball Superleague Grand Final on two occasions and lifting the Fast5 trophy.

"I've absolutely loved my time at Loughborough and feel I have learned and developed so much in these past two years," said the 25-year-old.

"I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who's helped along my journey here; two Superleague Grand Finals and a Fast5 championship is some good going, but we would not have achieved this without the support of our coaches, staff, volunteers, the university and our wonderful fans - I cannot thank you all enough!

"I feel privileged to have played alongside some amazing athletes, and have been very lucky to have lived with three of them the past two seasons. I'm going to miss my team-mates a lot, but I know they will continue to smash it. I feel I am ready for a new challenge and I am excited to step out of my comfort zone and experience the Australian league (and hopefully a bit more sunshine)!

"Finally I just want to pay a special mention to Olivia Murphy for continuing to support my rehab until I leave for Australia in the New Year - it is very much appreciated. I hope I will be back in the purple dress sometime in the future."

Lightning franchise director Olivia Murphy said: "Beth is an incredible athlete and individual. She has played a huge part in the success, both on and off the court, of the team in her two years of being here. Beth is a coach's dream as she wants to improve every day, and with her passion, drive, leadership and skill she continues to do so.

"We will all miss Beth here at Loughborough Lightning but know that she will go on to be successful in Australia with the Adelaide Thunderbirds."