Team Bath Netball is buzzing with confidence and ambition as they gear up for the 2026 NXT Gen League season opener against London Pulse this Friday, 23rd January. With a four-figure crowd expected at the Team Bath Arena, the Blue & Gold are ready to build on their impressive runner-up finish from last season.
Hosting the opening fixture for the second year in a row, Team Bath will also showcase the new Super Shot rule for the first time in the NXT Gen League. This exciting addition allows shooters to earn two points from a specific zone at the edge of the shooting circle during the last five minutes of each quarter, promising a fresh tactical edge to the game.
With 12 returning players from last season’s 17-strong squad, joint Head Coach Natalie Roddy believes that continuity has been key to their strong pre-season preparations. “This year, we feel further ahead compared to where we were at the same time last year,” Roddy shared. “The squad is committed, the atmosphere is fantastic, and our goal from pre-season has been to build on last summer’s success—and we’ve achieved that.”
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Team Bath has enjoyed positive momentum with wins in friendly matches against Nottingham Forest and Cardiff Dragons, but Roddy acknowledges that the true test will come with the first league game against a competitive London Pulse side, known for their player development. Matches between these two teams last year were fiercely contested, setting the stage for an exciting season opener.
“We’re determined to start with a win, but regardless of the outcome, we expect to grow throughout the season,” Roddy explained. “Last year, we beat every team at some point, and that remains our benchmark. Our minimum target is to match last season’s achievement, though the players’ ambition is to win the league.”
Roddy is optimistic about the impact of the Super Shot on gameplay. With new recruit Lucy Herdman, celebrated for her long-range accuracy, the team’s shooters are well-prepared to capitalize on the new rule’s tactical possibilities. “The Super Shot adds an exhilarating, strategic element to the league,” Roddy said. “Our players have trained hard on it and look confident. Lucy has been invaluable in sharing her expertise with the shooters.”
The opening match, sponsored by Hengistbury, features notable players including former Team Bath centre Phoebe Maslen now playing for Pulse. The Team Bath Arena will also host another home game against Nottingham Forest on 30th January, with both fixtures starting at 7 pm.
Fans can secure tickets for all eight home matches and season passes at netball.teambath.com/tickets and join the energizing atmosphere cheering on the Blue & Gold in their quest for glory.