PIVOTAL Vitality Netball Superleague defender Sam Cook will return to Severn Stars for a second season.

The 16-cap ex-England international and league champion, 26, has been confirmed for the 2019 term for the Worcester club.

Goal defence Cook, the 2018 supporters' player of the season, said: “Since joining Stars my passion for competing has been reignited and I have fallen in love with the sport all over again.

“The squad is very different this year, there are a lot of new players from a variety of clubs so I’m excited to see what energy this brings to the franchise.

"It’s going to be interesting to see how this new talent improves our style so I can’t wait to start training.”

The Gloucestershire ace was first introduced to netball at secondary school and in 2015 gained her first senior England cap against Jamaica.

Before joining Stars, Cook played for Team Bath when they won the Superleague.

She is also head coach for Stars' pathway programme which nurtures and develops their young talent.

Stars head coach Sam Bird said: “Sam is a fantastic competitor on court and has a fantastic ability to check the opponent’s shot and brings the ball through well.

"She is an excellent athlete and picked up several player-of-the-match titles last season.

"She made a great entry into the team last year and quickly became a pivotal defender for Stars.

"I’m really excited about the squad we have and we are looking to compete alongside the best in the league.”