GEVA Mentor has returned to England to continue her netball career, with the goalkeeper joining Leeds Rhinos.

Mentor, CBE, recently announced that she will retire from England duty after this summer's World Cup in South Africa.

Capped 167 times for the Roses, Mentor has played her netball outside of the UK for the past 16 years, turning out for numerous Australian sides.

This season will be Rhinos' fourth in the Super League, with the 2024 edition of the competition starting next February.

The 38-year-old was an inaugural winner of the Super League, winning the first two editions with Bath.

Speaking about her return to Netball in the UK, Mentor said: “I am super delighted to announce that I will be coming back to play in Super League.

“It has been many years since I have played in England at club level, having spent the majority of my career playing netball in Australia in the ANZ Championship and Suncorp Super Netball. 

“I am excited that I will now be moving up north, and this southern lass will be playing for Leeds Rhinos.  There are a few things that have drawn me to the club, not only to play under the coaching of Liana Leota but also to help grow the sport in Yorkshire.

“I can’t wait to be able to connect back to the community, meet the team and get settled into my new club and play in Super League.”

Leeds Rhinos head coach Liana Leota added: “This is a huge signing for Leeds Rhinos. "It’s not just what Geva brings on the court but off it too. 

"Her presence and the legacy she has created will have a big impact on our team and community. 

"I have enjoyed working with Geva at the Roses and we connected over conversations about our role in growing our own community, our passion to help inspire the next generation and to build our franchise.

“On the court, her wealth of experience and knowledge will be hugely valuable. Geva is able to implement defensive structures effectively and drive high standards because of the experience she has, playing against and with some of the best players in the world every week.

"Her leadership and ability to connect and communicate well with others will also help nurture our defenders and team.

"I can’t wait to work with her and I am sure Rhinos fans will be excited to welcome a legend of our game to our club and watch her in blue and amber next season.”