Football Fern Katie Rood (28) has signed for English club Southampton.
The striker joins the Saints from Lewes FC where she has played since 2019.
She first played in the United Kingdom in 2012 when she joined Lincoln Ladies in the FA WSL as a teenager, having played seven seasons at Auckland’s Glenfield Rovers.
She made her full international debut in 2017, and signed for Italian club Juventus the same year. A move to Bristol City followed and then a loan spell at Lewes which became a full move.
Rood joins a Saints side looking to thrive in their new challenge in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier.
“I’m really excited about it,” said Rood. “I think it’s an ambitious club. The resources and the facilities here are amazing.
“Even with the staff, they’re experienced and the quality, I think it shows the club are trying to make a statement. It really breeds a professional environment that us players thrive off.
“It’s an amazing environment. So far everyone has been really nice, really friendly. But also really good.
“I’m excited to get out on the pitch with them and see what we can do.”
Southampton are managed by Marieanne Spacey-Cale who played more than 90 internationals for England.
Photo: Southampton FC.
