Newcastle Eagles women’s player-coach Chloe Gaynor has secured her first ever signing in the role by returning guard Sarah Birkett to the Eagles for a third consecutive season.

Gaynor took the reins part way through last season and is now building her own Super League Basketball (SLB) roster for the first time.

“I’m so pleased that Sarah is returning for another year at the Eagles”, said the Eagles coach.

“It was really important culture wise to make sure she was here for another year to help with the rebuild of the programme.

“Sarah is consistently one of the hardest workers on the floor and she values the little things, which will be so important to us this year.

“We’ve seen the impact Sarah can have on the court, most memorably the Oaklands home game last season and I’m looking forward to seeing how her role develops over the course of this season.”

Birkett putting pen to paper will be popular news for fans as the energetic guard’s continuance signifies the Eagles’ desire to retain a core following their highest ever Championship finish.

The British-American dual-national has made the North East her home, first coming to the region with Team Northumbria in the Newcastle franchise’s early days, before it was rebadged as the Eagles 2018.

Known for always giving 100% on court and works tirelessly for the team, the 28-year-old will continue to be a big influence as part of the squad.

“I am so excited to be back with an exciting 2025/26 roster for the Eagles”, said Birkett.

“We’ve built a really solid foundation the last couple of years and shown what added resources for the program can do for our success.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back in front of our incredible fans on Saturday nights. Their support last season on a historic run for a 3rd place table finish was amazing and I’ve enjoyed getting to know many of our young fans and seeing them excel in our junior programmes.

“Eagles fans are known for their energy and enthusiasm which has been felt as the numbers have grown at our games.

“As a team, it’s felt when our fans show up for us so I look forward to welcoming new and old faces back to the Vertu Arena.”

Birkett, who averaged 2.4 points and 1.3 rebounds per game last campaign, showed her full potential with a game-winning performance in a huge Eagles 86-70 win over then league leaders and eventual champions Oakland Wolves. The guard netted 4 of 6 shots from downtown on her way to a 15-point MVP showing.

“Last season set the standard for the progression of the women’s side and no doubt we will make a run at the same thing this season”, the 5’7″ player added.

“I’ve seen this programme make the final, set records, make history and now all that’s left to do is win some silverware and continue the winning legacy of the Eagles. I can’t wait for September!”

The Eagles women’s team’s opening game of the forthcoming season is already confirmed and on sale from the club’s box office. The last opposition for the Gaynor’s side in the 2024/25 Play-Offs will be first up in September.

A full set of fixtures is set to be released by the club in the coming weeks, once discussion between officials at the SLB and its teams are concluded.

Further announcements are expected imminently as pace picks up on player signings and the 2025/26 kit that will be worn by Birkett and Gaynor is due to be unveiled next month.