NATALIE Haythornthwaite has signed a temporary deal with Australian netball team New South Wales Swifts for the remainder of the season Down Under.

East Lancashire's Haythornthwaite won Commonwealth Gold with England earlier this year and helped Wasps retain their Super League title last week.

And the Barrowford wing attack has now made the move to Australia and can't wait to get started.

She said: “It is very exciting for me to get this opportunity to play for such a famous club.

“I’ve had some conversations with (England teammate and current Swifts player) Helen Housby, who told me how much she was enjoying the environment, and I can’t wait to start training and get out on the court.

“As a professional athlete I am always looking to test myself in the most challenging of environments, and the Suncorp Super Netball is one of those. I can’t wait to play alongside, and go up against, some of the best players in the world.

“I have had the privilege of playing for England in Australia on a number of occasions and I can’t wait to get a taste of the club scene there.”

The Swifts have moved to sign the 25-year-old after injury to star player Claire O'Brien as they attempt to chase down a play-off place.

They are currently in seven points off the top four with four regular season games remaining.

And Swifts coach Briony Ackle believes Haythorthwaite, capped 28 times by her country since making her debut against Trinidad & Tobago, will be an excellent addition.

“Natalie has been a standout player on the English club scene and has translated that to the international set up with the roses," she said.

“She was part of the England team that won the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast and we think she will fit seamlessly into our attack.

“Every game is a must-win for us from here if we are to make the 2018 Finals Series and with Natalie playing so well with Wasps in the Superleague she will arrive battle-hardened and ready to hit the ground running.”