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Becky, of Cardiff, played last year in the Superleague for Celtic Dragons while Sophie, of Hertfordshire, has been with last year's Superleague semi-finalists, the Hertfordshire Mavericks, since 2014.

Thirty-one-year-old Becky, who has three caps for Wales, said: "I'm delighted to be joining Severn Stars. The coaching set-up, environment and ethos they are creating is really exciting.

"I'm really proud and humbled to be a part of it." 

Mid-court player Sophie, 20, has played for the England under-19s.

She said: "I'm delighted to be joining the Severn Stars this season. I think the prospect of being a part of something brand new is really exciting as we can establish our culture and environment from the start.

"I have confidence that the coaching line up will be able to help build a really strong team as well as personally helping me to develop as a player.

"I know I'll learn a lot from the players around me and I cannot wait for pre-season to get started."

This follows the recent signings of England trio Eleanor Cardwell, Jodie Gibson and Laura Malcolm.

Joint Director of Netball for the Severn Stars, Pamela Cookey, said: "I'm very excited with how the team is shaping up. Sophie is a young, intelligent midcourter itching to show what she can do. Becky Oatley was sharp with good game sense at Dragons last season.""

Head coach Mo'onia Gerrard said: "Rebecca Oatley, having experienced the Superleague competition with the Dragons, will give the team an edge and I like that she is a "gutsy" player. Sophie Carter, who joins us from Mavericks, is also a strong player who has huge potential to continue to develop."

Pictured in the foreground are Becky Oatley, on the left wearing green, and Sophie Carter, to the right wearing black, playing against one another at Super Saturday. "Credit Press Association