Inspirational trailblazers recognised with the Rhone Hornsby Trophy

The Vitality Netball Horizon Series trophy, currently held by Jamaica after their 2-1 victory late last year, has been named after a pair of netball legends.

The sporting rivalry between England and Jamaica has a long and fascinating history that is well-known to netball fans. Over the years countless individuals – players, coaches, volunteers and other members of the Netball Family – have greatly impacted the development of the game across the two countries.

In celebration of this shared history, the two nations have come together to name the trophy they now play for after two trailblazing figures. Thus we have the Rhone Hornsby Trophy in honour of Molly Rhone on behalf of Netball Jamaica, and Jean Hornsby on behalf of England Netball. Molly and Jean are two incredible individuals who have shaped and influenced the game immeasurably across both nations.

Celebrated today for her leadership of both the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) and the International Netball Federation (INF), now known as World Netball, Molly initially made a name for herself with her performances on the netball court, representing Jamaica for many years. Her appointment as President of the INF in 2003 (a post she held until July 2019) was a historic one as it made her the first Jamaican woman to lead an international sporting body, an achievement of true significance and testament to the pioneering figure she is.

A true trailblazer, Jean paved the way for Black netballers in England through her journey to become the first Black player to represent England at the top level of the sport. Her talent, determination, and persistence in the face of challenges continue to inspire young Black players across the country today. We spoke to both about what having their names on the trophy means.

Molly says: “One of the Vice Presidents from Netball Jamaica called me to say they were thinking of it, and did I have any objections. I kind of hesitated a little, I must admit. Then I thought, well, you really don’t serve to be honoured or to be noticed, you do it because you’re serving something that you are passionate about and netball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. So in the end I just deemed it an honour. And to be a twin, as I call it, with Jean, well that’s great!

“England is very dear to Jamaica in terms of netball. The first time I put on my uniform was to play against a team from England. I would have been just out of school – every single year we knew a team would be coming over from England. And then my beginnings at international level is very much twinned with England, as it is for a lot of Jamaicans.

“We’ve typically been third or fourth in the world and I’d love to see us competing as first and second in the rankings! I couldn’t get to the games in the UK but I was there at Kingston – it’s a long time since we’ve had international games back here in Jamaica. Everybody came out and even though the games were on weeknights, the stands were full, which was great. And it was good value, great entertainment. They played so well.

“I was hoping Jean would be there but she wasn’t so I’ve still to meet her. We’ll have to rectify that next time!”

Jean says: “I got a phone call from Camilla Buchanan saying that somebody from England Netball had been trying to get in touch and could she pass my details on? Then I got a call from David Parsons saying would I like a trophy named after me? Yes please! Lovely! For me the rivalry is like England and West Indies at cricket in the 70s and 80s, two nations who really love their sport going toe-to-toe.

“I actually played against Jamaica in a tournament in Trinidad in 1979. And as the years have gone on, that rivalry has become more intense. I managed to get to the first game up in Manchester, which was really nail-biting, and was actually the first time I’d been back in an international arena since I came back from Trinidad in ’79! It was really inspirational and I’d love to do more.

“When the two teams play I have mixed emotions as my heritage is Jamaican. I was really worried that Jamaica and England were going to meet each other in the World Cup final in South Africa! I wonder if I met Molly back in Trinidad in 1979 but I’d love to meet up with her anyway!”