Holcombe Ladies sign Jade van der Zwan from Australian side North Coast Raiders, New Zealand international Deanna Ritchie, Wimbledon’s Lucy Whalley, former Canterbury forward Tilly Tillings and Sevenoaks’ Hannah Bond

International players from Australia and New Zealand are among the new arrivals for Holcombe Ladies.

The Medway side are looking to bolster their squad as they seek to gain promotion back to the Vitality Premier Division in 2023/24.

Jade van der Zwan joins from Australian side North Coast Raiders, where she has made 12 appearances in Premier Division 1 so far this season. She’s also played for the Australian Indoor World Cup team.

“I can’t wait to begin my journey with Holcombe,” said van der Zwan. “I am excited to be signing with the team and also excited to step out of my comfort zone and play in a different country, learn from experienced players and coaches and make new friendships.”

New Zealand international Deanna Ritchie has also joined as the club prepare for their Division 1 South season. She played in the Indoor World Cup earlier this year.

Ritchie said: "I am incredibly excited and honoured to be joining the Holcombe family.

“I can’t wait to be over in the UK to meet the rest of the team and dive into the season ahead.”

Lucy Whalley, meanwhile, has joined from Wimbledon, having previously played in Division 1 South, as well as for Brooklands and in the US.

She said: “I am looking forward to meeting my new teammates, training and performing at a high level, and contributing to the team’s success.”

Tilly Tillings has previously played in and scored a number of goals in Division One South and further bolsters Holcombe’s forward options.

Hannah Bond joins from Sevenoaks and said: “I'm really excited to be part of a new team and to hopefully achieve lots of success this season!”

Head coach Nick Bandurak said: “Jade is a really exciting, attacking player and I’m thrilled to have her on board for this coming season.