WORCESTER’S new professional netball club Severn Stars have appointed an assistant coach.

The university franchise for Worcester and Gloucestershire in the Vitality Netball Superleague have hired Sam Bird.

Formerly Hertfordshire Mavericks head coach, Bird has extensive experience in the Superleague.

She was with Mavericks for 11 years and became head coach in 2014, leading them into the Superleague play-offs in each of the last two seasons.

Bird said: “I am so excited to be involved with Stars. Anita (Navin), Mo’onia (Gerrard) and Pam (Cookey) are a fantastic group of energetic and knowledgeable coaches and I’m very much looking forward to working with them and the selected squad.

“After 11 years of coaching at Mavericks, I’m looking forward to working in a new environment and with top-quality players and impressive facilities.

“Mo’onia is very keen to develop the standard of English players and this is an excellent opportunity for me to be involved with that programme.”

Bird played for England from under 16 to senior level but retired aged 24 due to a knee injury.

She coached at county and club level before joining Mavericks.

Bird is also an England Netball technical coach and has been a national selector for three years.