Beth Durant (formally Cobden) has announced that she will retire from professional netball at the conclusion of the 2026 Netball Super League season. Currently co-captain of Loughborough Lightning, the 33-year-old has enjoyed success across both the domestic and international game, with five Netball Super League titles to her name.
Embed from Getty ImagesInternational Netball
Specialising at wing defence, Durant made her senior England debut against New Zealand in 2016 and has since earned 51 caps in the red dress. Whilst being apart of the England Roses, Durant has been an ever-present figure for the England Roses, consistently performing across multiple competitions. Among the standout moments of her career was being a part of the historic first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2018.
She also played key roles in England’s Taini Jamison Trophy victories over New Zealand in 2021 and 2024, as well as the Roses’ triumph at the 2025 Vitality Netball Nations Cup. Durant reached another major milestone in 2025 when she earned her 50th international cap during the Vitality Netball International Series against New Zealand.
Embed from Getty ImagesDomestic Netball
Durant’s NSL journey began with Manchester Thunder in 2011, where she quickly established herself as one of the league’s standout defenders. During this time, she helped Thunder secure two NSL titles in 2012 and 2014 before moving to Loughborough Lightning for the first of two seasons in the East Midlands. Here, Durant helped guide the side to consecutive Grand Finals in 2017 and 2018. However, the latter proved bittersweet as she suffered one of three ACL injuries during the final.
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite the setback, Durant’s form and reputation earned her a move to Australia ahead of the 2019 season with Adelaide Thunderbirds but another serious injury cut her campaign short, before she spent the 2020 season with Southern Force, in the Super Netball Reserves competition, and later returned to Lightning.
Her return to the NSL proved an immediate success. Durant was named Player of the Year in her first season back as she collected a third league title, before helping Lightning secure back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024 to cement her status as a five-time NSL champion. Durant stands among the most successful players in Netball Super League history.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe defender could yet add another trophy before calling time on her career, with Lightning preparing for the Soft & Gentle Play-Offs as they continue their push for additional silverware after their win at the Netball Super Cup earlier this year.
Durant’s retirement marks the end of an era for both Lightning and England Netball, with the defender leaving behind a legacy built on consistency, resilience, and success at every level of the sport.
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