Wales Netball
October 29, 2021
Sophie Morgan has announced her retirement from international and domestic netball. Due to health reasons, the 29-year-old will be retiring from all forms of the game.
After successfully rising through the ranks at U17, U19 and U21 and senior level, the Wales mid-courter retires with 30 caps to her name.
Morgan made her debut for the Wales National squad in 2010 against Northern Ireland in the FENA Open Competition. From then, the Wales player #189 remained a part of the senior squad for 4 years. Sophie was involved in many competitions throughout her international career. More importantly, the 2011 Netball World Cup (formerly known as the World Netball Championship) in Singapore, where Wales finished 9th. She played her last cap for Wales against England on the 14th of December 2014.
The year after making her Wales debut, Sophie made her debut for Celtic Dragons in the Vitality Netball Superleague against Leeds Carnegie. Having been a part of the Celtic Dragons team for 10 years and captaining the side, Morgan has been a stalwart player of the squad. She made her final appearance for Celtic Dragons in the 2021 season against London Pulse on the 15th of March 2021.
Sophie Morgan has been a big part of netball in Wales both on and off the court. When the world went into lockdown, Sophie kept the netball community going. Lockdown sessions saw Sophie keep netballers fit and active by hosting free online fitness classes.
Current Head Coach and Head of Elite Sara Moore (nee Hale) said “Sophie has not only been a player who I have been fortunate enough to have in my squad in recent times, she has also been my teammate and friend for many years.”
“I am saddened by the news that she will be retiring from International and SuperLeague netball, as she has been a great servant to both Wales and Celtic Dragons, but I understand that this is the best decision for Sophie at this time.”
“I hope that Sophie will be involved with Wales Netball again in some capacity in the future, and from my perspective the door will always be open.”
Also talking about Sophie, Chair of the Board Catherine Lewis said “I had the privilege to watch Sophie play international and domestic netball in a long and varied career. She is a talented, hardworking netballer who gives her all and leaves it all on the court. This is an attitude she utilises in all walks of life and has always stood her in very good stead.”
On speaking to Sophie about her retirement, she said “I’d like to say a huge thank you to Wales Netball and Celtic Dragons/Superleague for everything you have done and supported me in, and a massive thank you to Sara for her continued support.”
“Next year’s Commonwealth Games was a big focus for me so it’s accurate to say I retire not completely satisfied, as no athlete ever imagines the future of their sport being in the hands of anyone but themselves.”
“The friends I have met along the way through teammates, supporters and opponents will stay with me forever, and it’s been an incredible 14 years, on and off, representing and captaining my country/Superleague team.”
“I’d like to wish Sara, the management team and the girls all the very best for the future of Wales Netball.”
We thank Sophie for everything she has contributed to Wales Netball on and off the court. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
