Great Britain's women's squad selected ahead of World Championship return

Great Britain’s women’s water polo team has been selected for next month’s World Aquatics Championships in Doha, where British water polo will make it’s return to the global stage for the first time in more than a decade.

A group of 13 players have been chosen to represent the nation at the event, 11 years on from their last appearance at the Barcelona World Championships in 2013.

All 13 were amongst the team that finished in an historic seventh place at the European Championships in Eindhoven earlier this month. Their final quarter turnaround against Croatia meant they finished as one of the top three finishers outside of those that had already qualified for the World Championships to secure the final spot in Doha.

Captain Kathy Rodgers will lead the team into their world’s return at the Aspire Dome in what will be a momentous occasion for the sport in this country.

Alongside her will be Lily Turner – fresh from her four goals in that crucial victory against Croatia – and Toula Falvey who will lead the British attack in Qatar after top scoring for the team in Eindhoven with 16.

“Looking forward to the challenge”

Great Britain have been drawn in Group D in Qatar alongside 2023 bronze medallists Italy, World Championship ever presents Canada and South Africa – who have already booked their place at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.

Their official return to the World Championships pool will be against the Italians on Sunday 4 February before taking on Canada (6 February) and South Africa (8 February) to close out the group stage.

Competing at the World Championships marks another step towards returning to the top level at the sport and a top three finish in the group will guarantee a place in the top 12 at the event – one position higher than the team managed in Barcelona 11 years ago.

Ahead of the event Great Britain’s head coach, Nick Buller, is excited for the challenge and is hopeful that the team can make more history in Doha.

He said: “We are really looking forward to the challenge of competing at the World Championships for the first time in 11 years.

“In 2013 GB women finished 13th at the World Championships in Barcelona and we have set ourselves the ambitious target of improving on that.”

Buller will be joined on the British bench by his assistant Peggy Etiebet who brings world’s experience to the British team after being a part of the GB squad that competed in 2013.

You can find the full schedule and results for every sport at Doha 2024 on the World Aquatics website.