New eras, rising stars and lasting legacies headline this week’s Team of the Week.
Jo Yapp becomes the first ever British and Irish Lions Women coach, Gracie Smith continues her rise as one of netball’s brightest young talents, Alexia Putellas prepares to close an incredible 14 year chapter with Barcelona, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is already looking destined for greatness at just 15 years old.
Jo Yapp
First British and Irish Lions Women coach
Former England captain Jo Yapp has been appointed as the first event British and Irish Lions Women coach. Ahead of next year’s inaugural tour in New Zealand, Yapp says she wants to "create something truly special”. Yapp represented England at three World Cups, winning 70 caps and recently has been working with England as head of women’s pathway.
Alexia Putellas
Barcelona Women’s great
After adding a 38th trophy to her cabinet, Alexia Putellas has announced she will be leaving Barcelona after 14 years at the club. During her time there, she built a remarkable legacy, scoring 232 goals in 507 appearances to become the club’s second highest goalscorer of all time. Alongside her club success, she also won the Women’s World Cup and back to back Ballon d’Or awards in 2021 and 2022. A true Barcelona legend, and with links to the WSL, we may even see her in England soon. Now that would be exciting.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Cricket legend in the making
I picked Vaibhav last year when he was just 14, after he smashed 101 runs from 38 balls in his inaugural IPL season, and it does not look like he has slowed down. The now 15 year old has just scored a huge 97 off 29 balls in an IPL eliminator. To make it even more impressive, it came against Sunrisers Hyderabad, featuring one of the best bowlers in the world, Australia captain Pat Cummins. Sooryavanshi already looks on course for a very special career.
Gracie Smith
Netball’s next star
17-year-old Gracie Smith has been selected for England’s Roses programme for 26-27, following standout performances in her breakout Netball Super League season. The teenager, who plays for London Pulse, made 12 appearances for the London side, having established herself as a rising star of the NSL since winning the title aged only 16 last year.
