SOUTHERN Vipers stars Charlie Dean and Danni Wyatt-Hodge depart Utilita Bowl for other counties after the conclusion of the 2024 season.

Both players were part of Vipers, the women’s regional team based at Utilita Bowl, and helped the club win five trophies from 2020-2024.

Off-spinning all-rounder Dean rose through the Hampshire women and girls’ pathway having represented the county since Under 13s level. Stoke-born Wyatt-Hodge played for Staffordshire before moving to Sussex and representing Southern Vipers in 2017.

Wyatt-Hodge is England Women’s all-time leading IT20 run scorer, having superseded Hampshire head coach Charlotte Edwards in 2024.

Dean made her England debut in September 2021 was capped in all three formats, and became the fastest woman to 50 ODI wickets in 26 matches.

Wyatt-Hodge said: “It’s been an amazing eight years at Utilita Bowl with Southern Vipers. I’ve made friendships and memories which will last a lifetime, and it was such a privilege to share a dressing room with some of the best players in the country.

“I learnt a lot playing with Charlotte Edwards and to have her as a coach and mentor has been incredible, I’m really grateful to her and the Vipers for being part of my journey. I will miss everyone at Utilita Bowl dearly but I’ll always treasure the success we had as a team.”

Dean added: “I can’t speak highly enough of how important Hampshire and Southern Vipers have been in my cricketing journey. Since I joined Hampshire as a teenager, the coaches and staff have been exceptional.

"I wouldn’t be where I am now without their support, and it’s been a privilege to call Utilita Bowl my home since 2017. The successes we’ve had as a team have been nothing short of incredible.

"I’ll look back fondly on my time here. I want to say a huge thank you to Charlotte Edwards and all the coaches, players, and fans for a fantastic eight seasons at Utilita Bowl.”

Adam Carty, regional director of women’s cricket, concluded: “To say farewell to two Viper champions at this time of the ever-evolving women’s professional game, reaffirms the fact that more than just clubs are shaping toward a new era.

“Both Charlie and Danni played such a meaningful role in the successes of the region over the past five seasons, and for their admirable efforts, the club and I will be forever grateful. We wish them well in their future international and domestic careers.”