Reinga Bloxham and Jacqui Newton have been recognised at the Netball Super League Awards, with two major honours for the LexisNexis Risk Solutions Dragons following a standout season for Wales’ only NSL team.
Reinga Bloxham, Head Coach of the Dragons, was named Netball Super League Coach of the Year 2026 at the league’s showpiece Grand Final in Manchester, while defender Jaqui Newton was named in the Soft & Gentle All-Star Seven.
The awards follow a strong campaign for the Dragons, who finished fifth in the league, their highest position and points tally since 2014, narrowly missing out on a Grand Final play-off place.
For Bloxham, the award marks further recognition after she was also voted Coach of the Year by supporters in the Best Netball Podcast Ever fans’ poll last week, reflecting the connection she has built with players and fans alike.
Newton’s inclusion in the Soft & Gentle All-Star Seven recognises her as the standout player in her on-court position across the NSL season, as voted by the league’s clubs.
The recognition marks a significant step forward for a club that has rebuilt with intent, and reflects the ambition at the heart of Wales Netball’s Ymladd 2030 vision.
Alongside her role with the Dragons, Bloxham will also serve as Team Manager and Specialist Coach for the Welsh Feathers at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Sarah Boswell, Chief Executive Officer, Wales Netball, said: “Reinga’s commitment, energy and clear plan have helped the LexisNexis Risk Solutions Dragons achieve remarkable things, and this recognition is thoroughly deserved. She has set high standards, built a strong culture and brought the very best out of our players and staff, as evidenced by Jacqui’s award and the team’s performance this season. We are incredibly proud of the whole squad, and we look forward to building on everything achieved this season as we continue our Ymladd 2030 journey together.”
Reinga Bloxham, Head Coach, sponsored by Ridge Crest Cleaning, said: “I was very surprised and truly grateful. It wasn’t something I expected but it is nice to get that recognition for all the hard work that goes on while no one is watching. I have to acknowledge the great support team I have around me that have enabled me to lead this team and coach the way I’ve wanted to. I’m proud of all that we have achieved as a team and a club this season and looking forward to continuing that growth in our performance culture.”
Jacqui Newton, defender, LexisNexis Risk Solutions Dragons, said: “Being named in the Soft & Gentle All-Star 7 is an honour and something I feel super privileged to accept. I would like to thank my team mates and my circle of support who help make this possible.”
Gareth Rice of LexisNexis Risk Solutions, said: “It has been a privilege for us at LexisNexis® Risk Solutions to support the Dragons and to witness the team, under the leadership of Head Coach Reinga Bloxham, establish themselves as a competitive force within the Netball Super League. We are incredibly proud of the Dragons’ achievements this year. Reinga’s leadership has been instrumental in driving high-performance standards, fostering player development and building a culture of ambition and accountability.
We believe that her appointment marked a significant step forward for the franchise, and the positive impact of her coaching has helped position the LexisNexis Risk Solutions Dragons for sustained success both on and off the court.”
Ian Beach, Managing Director of Ridge Crest Cleaning Limited, said: “The Dragons have always had tremendous team spirit, from Nia through to the current team. Reinga has added that Southern Hemisphere edge and a simple, direct style of play, helping the team compete with the best in the NSL. Reinga thoroughly deserves this recognition.”
This year’s achievements for the Dragons would not be possible without the support of partners such as title partner LexisNexis Risk Solutions, whose partnership continues to support the Dragons’ growth on and off the court, and Ridge Crest Cleaning, whose sponsorship of Reinga’s Head Coach role has helped make this season’s success possible.
