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.

“Jade has the drive and determination to take big steps forward in her game and I’m excited for her to bring that energy to our play in the final third.

“It is great to have Deanna on board and I’m really looking forward to working with her in such an exciting year.

“As a senior international, Deanna has a wealth of experience at the top of the game and her ruthlessness in and around the circle will form a crucial part of our attacking threat.

“I’m really looking forward to Lucy joining our midfield group ahead of this coming season.

“Lucy has a wealth of National League experience alongside playing collegiately in America and this will be an integral asset to the group throughout such an exciting season.

Head coach Bandurak added: "I'm really looking forward to having Tilly on board with the Women's 1s this season.

“Tilly is a quick and exciting forward with a keen eye for goal and experience of the league with Canterbury. I'm thrilled she's chosen to join our group ahead of this year.

"Hannah is a fantastic player both indoor and out and I'm really looking forward to working with her this year. Hannah brings a wealth of experience of challenging for titles within this league with Sevenoaks and this will be a hugely important asset for the group this season."

The team will compete in the Y1 Championships against Wimbledon, Southgate, ISCA, Hampstead & Westminster and Reading on August 26-27 before taking on Sevenoaks (September 2, 5pm) and Surbiton (September 9, 2pm) in friendlies at Holcombe Park

Holcombe begin their league campaign with away fixtures against Southgate and Surbiton 2nds. Their first home league fixture is against Sevenoaks on October 7 (5pm).