Soraya de Visch Eijbergen and Eefje Muskens depart from Surrey Smashers

Jij het nieuws, wij een tikkie!

With qualification to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games picking up the pace, all four players have opted to compete in Germany's Bundesliga competition next season.

World top 10 player Muskens remained unbeaten for Smashers during the regular campaign- the only player in the league to win all 5 round robin fixtures.

De Visch Eijbergen proved to be one of the most promising and exciting young players in the NBL, picking up huge victories over higher ranked players including Linda Zetchiri and Karin Schnaase and acting as a fine example of the spirit and grit that the league has produced in its debut campaign.

Soraya and Eefje were fans' favourites during their season with Smashers, with both players expressing how the NBL is the most exciting league that they have every played in and showing their appreciation for a passionate Surrey Sports Park crowd.

"The National Badminton League has really helped me grow as a player," said De Visch Eijbergen. "Playing in front of such an amazing crowd and the opportunity to take on some big names was invaluable. It has been a pleasure to play for Surrey, with the best crowd in the League and the most awesome team!"

Nottingham was ever present in the Smashers squad last season, picking up two mixed doubles wins alongside Gabby Adcock and Emily Westwood.

Gayle will also depart after providing valuable team experience and morale at all fixtures during Smashers' debut season.

Everyone at Surrey Smashers would like to thank Eefje, Soraya, Matt and Joel for their commitment and enthusiasm to both the club and the NBL last season and wish them the best of luck in their future careers.

This news follows the announcement that England international Gabby Adcock was the first player to put pen to paper and confirm her commitment to Surrey Smashers next season, with further player news coming over the coming weeks including new signings and confirmation of who will captain Surrey during the 2015/16 campaign.