Silver Ferns

Two uncapped players in Ferns team

The new Ferns squad members have both been included in New Zealand's 12-strong team for the series opener, with coach Noeline Taurua having trimmed her wider playing group from 18.

Hume and Metuaau are vying for the Ferns' goal attack bib in the absence of captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio, who's unavailable due to pregnancy.

Hume, 25, was the highest scoring GA in this year's ANZ Premiership and formed a strong partnership with Silver Ferns goal shoot Maia Wilson.

Silver Ferns to host England in Christchurch in September

The first test is scheduled for Monday, September 20, with the second and third tests on Wednesday and Friday, respectively, as the series will be completed in five days.

England boarded a flight on Thursday (NZ time), and will go into managed quarantine upon arrival in Christchurch. Netball New Zealand continues to work with the government around the evolving Covid-19 outbreak and alert levels.

Following the series, England are preparing to extend their tour across the Tasman with a series against the Australian Diamonds.

Silver Ferns netball great Margaret Forsyth dies, aged 59

“She had a grit and a fire about her that I haven't seen since for a player of her calibre,” said former New Zealand team-mate and friend Rhonda Wilcox.

Forsyth won two world titles and became known throughout New Zealand and the netball world for her shooting circle combination with Margharet Matenga.

‘The Two Margs’ – with Forsyth at goal attack and Matenga at goal shoot – became the best shooting circle combination in world netball, helping New Zealand to two World Cup titles.

Silver Ferns draw line in the sand with Constellation Cup win

Yesterday's 45-43 win in Christchurch featured another stunning second-half fightback from the Silver Ferns, something that became a trademark of the series, which they won 3-1.

Dame Noeline said winning the elusive cup was "massive" but the celebrations won't linger.

"They've been amazing games and I think we've all ridden the ups and downs of the whole week …it's good to seal that one, put it in the trophy [cabinet] and move on."

Dame Noeline said she got a lot of intel from the series and was happy to get all 14 squad members out on court.

Dame Noeline Taurua to guide Silver Ferns to next World Cup

Taurua will guide the Silver Ferns at next year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and has the chance to win back-to-back world titles in South Africa the following year.

Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Jennie Wyllie said they were delighted to retain the services of the world class coach.

"Noeline has a proven record at all levels and is an outstanding coach and leader. Just as importantly she has played a major role in driving our high performance netball community in the same direction," she said.

Silver Ferns to take on Australia in Constellation Cup

Christchurch will host two tests on 2 and 3 March with two more in Tauranga on 5 and 7 March.

The Diamonds will arrive in Christchurch on 15 February and spend two weeks in managed isolation ahead of the series.

Last year's Constellation Cup series was postponed due to the global pandemic.

It will be Australia's first series in New Zealand under new coach Stacey Marinkovich.

The last time the two sides met was in October 2019 - when the Constellation Cup series was drawn 2-tests all, meaning the Diamonds retained the trophy.

Silver Ferns won't meet Diamonds this year

Quarantine requirements in New Zealand and Australia and concerns about player welfare have contributed to the trans-Tasman netball tournament being moved until 2021.

However, the Silver Ferns and Diamonds will battle for two Constellation Cup titles next year, with one series scheduled for January/February and a second meeting scheduled for October.

"While it is disappointing not to be able to meet the Diamonds this year, we understand that in a year such as this, prioritising athlete welfare is paramount," Netball New Zealand head of high performance Keir Hansen said.

Silver Ferns legend Laura Langman retires

The 34-year-old hangs up her bib having played 163 tests.

The dynamic midcourter made her international debut against England in 2005 when she was 18.

Langman played at four World Cups and three Commonwealth Games.

She led the Silver Ferns to the world title in Liverpool last year and was also a member of two Commonwealth Games gold medal winning teams.

Domestically, she was part of the Waikato-BOP Magic side which won the trans-Tasman league in 2012 as well as an Australian league title with the Lightning in 2017.

No guarantees Silver Ferns will meet Australia in 2020

The September Quad Series involving the two trans-Tasman rivals, along with England and South Africa was canned as a result of the Covid-19 impacts on borders.

Australia and New Zealand are still hoping the Constellation Cup will take place later this year but with a recent surge in cases in Australia, that's looking more precarious.

If a trans-Tasman bubble doesn't eventuate this year, the only other option would be if the Ferns went across the ditch and went through quarantine in order to play the Diamonds, or vice versa.

Silver Ferns too strong for Jamaica

Missing an injured Michaela Sokolich-Beatson for the series and with shooter Bailey Mes nursing a minor niggle for today's match, coach Dame Noeline Taurua had less options at her disposal but it had little effect on the Silver Ferns ability to deliver a high-quality performance.