Dragons sign Dyke, Beard and Johnson for 2025

Bethan Dyke made her Netball Super League debut in 2013

Cardiff Dragons have signed Wales internationals Bethan Dyke, Chelsea Beard and Alex Johnson for the revamped Netball Super League (NSL).

The international trio join for the 2025 season in which Dyke's former club, Team Bath, have been omitted from the top flight along with Strathclyde Sirens, Surrey Storm and Severn Stars.

Dragons have announced their full squad for the league campaign, with former Wales captain Nia Jones' omission confirming she will play no part in their plans.

With all players out of contract at the end of the 2024 season, all teams - including Dragons - are selecting squads from scratch.

Dragons chief executive Vicki Sutton said: "There have been some really tough decisions made and it’s not enjoyable at all to do that... but we have to be confident that the decisions we’ve made are right for Cardiff Dragons."

Birmingham Panthers and Nottingham Forest Netball - the latter belonging to the Premier League football club's multi-sport model - have joined the league.

Beard is back having had a break since 2023, while 2024 Wales debutant Johnson is also a new signing for Dragons after she left title holders Loughborough Lightning.

NSL has been restructured as part of a 10-year plan to professionalise the league.

Squad lists have been reduced from 15 to 10 players, while 50% of games will be played in arenas. Average player salaries are set to increase by around 60%, according to the league.

Sutton added: “Being the only non-English team in the league is really important to us.

"It was very important to us that we feature in this league, as it’s the highest level league in the UK. This 10-year journey is exciting."

This season, fans can watch one match per round of the NSL on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

Cardiff Dragons squad

Shooters: Chelsea Beard, Georgia Rowe, Phillipa Yarranton

Mid Court: Beth Dyke, Beth Ecuyer-Dale, Elle Mcdonald, Khanyisa Chawane.

Defence: Alex Johnson, Jacqui Newton, Leah Middleton.