England superstar Jo Harten has announced her shock immediate retirement from international netball just three months out from the prestigious World Cup.
Harten has been a feature of the Roses outfit for more than a decade, after making her international debut back in 2007 as an 18-year-old.
Since then, the star goal shooter has been a team mainstay with 117 Test caps – including winning Commonwealth Games gold on the Gold Coast in 2018 and bronze in Delhi in 2010.
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“Thank you for the opportunity that has given me so much,” she posted on social media.
“I have in turn given it my all. It’s been a privilege to represent England. A moment in time I’ll be proud of forever.
“A part of my life and identity has been to put the England dress before all, playing with passion and pride.
“I can safely say I’ve given it my best shot.
“It’s been a journey to remember. Humbled by the experience, grateful for the memories. Give 100% or don’t go at all.”
Harten has been one of the biggest influences of England’s rise in the international netball landscape, after leaving home to join the Canterbury Tactix in the 2012 trans-Tasman ANZ Championship to play against the world’s best.
And from that point, Harten has remained down under, working on her game to become one of the league’s premier shooters.
But Harten hasn’t represented England since their disastrous fourth place finish at last year’s Commonwealth Games due to an ongoing knee injury.
She then missed both the England series in Australia in October and the Quad Series held in Cape Town in January and underwent an arthroscopy on her knee that same month.
Harten missed the opening round of the Super Netball season, but returned for the GIANTS where her influence was immediate. But on Sunday, she limped from the court clutching at the same knee.
“Playing for England has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life,” she said.
“Working together with amazing athletes to achieve a common goal is what it’s always been about for me. I am so grateful for the experience and will cherish the memories made with teammates and management that have become family over the last 16 years.
“I know what it takes to compete against the best in the world, but I feel I can’t give 100% of myself both physically and mentally at this stage.
“I’ve come to this decision with both myself and my Roses family in mind leading into the World Cup campaign.”
Roses head coach Jess Thirlby was full of praise for Harten’s international career.
“Jo is not only one of the most loved and revered Roses players of all time but will go down as one of the world’s best netballers and what she has done for the global game is undeniable,” she said.
“Whilst it is sad to know that we won’t get to see Jo pull on the red dress again I urge us all to celebrate the commitment, loyalty and love that Jo has shown to the Roses over decades of service.”
