KINGSTON, Jamaica— Jamaica’s Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard has withdrawn from the Horizon Series against England which kicks off next week.

Netball Jamaica announced in a release on Friday that Fowler-Nembhard has been ruled out of participating both in Manchester, England on November 16 and 17 and in Jamaica on November 25 and 26 due to advice from its medical team. The Sunshine Girls captain had been training with the team for the past month and was expected to carry the bulk of the work in the goal circle as well as to help to ‘blood’ the new players who have come into the senior team.

According to Netball Jamaica president, Tricia Robinson, the organisation is focused on Fowler-Nembhard’s health and well-being and will provide updates as necessary regarding her condition. Romelda Aiken-George will instead join the team in England for the series, Robinson said.

Head coach of the Sunshine Girls Sasher-Gaye Henry commented on the unexpected situation.

“Jhaniele is the captain and a very important player for Jamaica and so we are quite disappointed that she will not be able to participate in the Horizon Series, however our priority at this time is her health and we are committed to supporting our players every step of the way. Additionally we remain confident in the strength of our squad as we move forward with the series,” Henry said.

Netball Jamaica expressed gratitude to fans and supporters for their understanding and continued support as the team prepares for what promises to be an exciting and competitive series.

The Sunshine Girls are scheduled to depart the island later Friday for England for the first leg of the Horizon series.