‘Far from ideal’: Firebirds confirm assistant’s shock exit days out from opener

The Queensland Firebirds have confirmed the shock departure of assistant coach Sara Francis-Bayman just six days out from the club’s season opener.

Francis-Bayman’s immediate exit comes just five months after she signed on at the club.

Francis-Bayman was the second English netballer to join the Super Netball coaching ranks for season 2023, after ex-England Roses mentor Tracey Neville arrived at the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

But by Monday, her time at the club had officially ended.

“There is never a good time for decisions like these and I acknowledge that six days out from our first home game is far from ideal,” Netball Queensland CEO Kate Davies said.

“To uphold the confidentiality of all involved, we will not discuss publicly the reasons behind the decision.

“I thank Sara for the contribution she has made and personally and sincerely wish her all the best for the future.”

Davies confirmed the search for a new assistant was already underway, and pledged the coaching change wouldn’t affect player focus heading into their Round 1 clash with the Thunderbirds on Sunday.

Francis-Bayman was part of a new-look Firebirds coaching unit, under new mentor Bec Bulley - who left her role as assistant at the NSW Swifts for the Queensland top job.

Bulley took over from Megan Anderson, who stepped down in June when the Firebirds once again failed to make finals.

The club is already without superstar goaler Gretel Bueta in 2023 after she announced her pregnancy with her second child.

It remains unclear what sort of off-court role Bueta will take with the club while sidelined.

Bulley isn’t the only rookie coach in season 2023, with former West Coast Fever assistant coach Belinda Reynolds taking the reins at the Sunshine Coast Lightning.