Eboni Usoro-Brown | We Won Commonwealth Gold on Three Hours’ Sleep

England Netball President Eboni Usoro-Brown joins Georgie Ainslie to reveal the resilience, sacrifice and team culture behind the greatest momentsin English netball history.

At the 2018 Commonwealth Games, England defeated Australia 52–51 to win their first major international netball title. Eboni explains how the Roses recovered from losing a warm-up match by 40 goals, embraced their status as underdogs and entered the final believing they could beat the best team in the world.

She also reflects on her demanding relationship with head coach Tracey Neville. Eboni admits that she did not like Neville at the time, but now recognises how her clarity, toughness and willingness to have difficult conversations helped create a championship-winning team.

Now, as President of England Netball, Eboni shares her ambitions to increase the sport’s visibility, attract greater commercial investment and connect the elite game more closely with its grassroots community. She also gives her verdict on England’s Commonwealth Games prospects and the campaign to bring netball into the Olympic Games.

FAQs

Who is Eboni Usoro-Brown?

Eboni Usoro-Brown is a former England international netball player, qualified lawyer and President of England Netball. She represented the national team for 17 years and was part of the Roses squad that won Commonwealth Games gold in 2018.

What did Eboni Usoro-Brown win with England?

Eboni was part of the England team that defeated Australia 52–51 in the 2018 Commonwealth Games final on the Gold Coast. It was England’s first major international netball title.

How did England beat Australia in the 2018 Commonwealth Games final?

Eboni credits England’s victory to its team culture, emotional control, clear leadership and ability to focus on winning each quarter rather than becoming distracted by the final result.

What does Eboni say about Tracey Neville?