Latest news with #DameNoelineTaurua
RNZ News
3 hours ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Netball: Silver Ferns to face England, Scotland in Commonwealth Games warmups
The Silver Ferns vs England in 2024. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport The Silver Ferns will play two tests against Scotland and three against England in November as the side prepares for next year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The five-test northern tour will see the Ferns take on the Scottish Thistles, before heading south to London and Manchester where they will meet England three times, starting on 15 November. The series will be a key part of the Silver Ferns' build-up for next year's Commonwealth Games. The Silver Ferns usually have a January series in the Northern Hemisphere, but that did not happen this year. England, who beat the Silver Ferns 2-1 in last year's Taini Jamison series, will be a tough team to take on at the Commonwealth Games. It will be the first time the Silver Ferns have been back to Scotland since the two nations met for the build-up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and the first time that international netball will be played at the state-of-the-art Playsport Arena in Glasgow. Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua said the northern tour was hugely important in preparation for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, and returning to Scotland would also hold some special memories for herself. "I'm absolutely thrilled about the opportunity to head north for this series in November. "Scotland holds a special place in my heart having completed my Masters of Sport Coaching at the University of Stirling, so it will be incredibly special to return there with the Silver Ferns. "These additional fixtures are a vital part of our preparation as we build towards the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Finishing the tour with a three-Test series against the England Roses - currently ranked fourth in the world - will provide the high-quality competition we need to continue challenging ourselves and growing as a group." Scotland's head coach Kath Tetley shared Taurua's excitement about the two tests with the World No. 2 Silver Ferns. "I am thrilled that the Thistles will be hosting a star-studded Silver Ferns squad in Glasgow this November - this will be an incredible preparation opportunity for our 2026 international season. "We will be ready for the challenge, and we can't wait to have a Thistles Army of supporters packed into the venue and getting around us." The Ferns will head south to take on the England Roses at Copper Box Arena in London on 15 and 16 November before moving to AO Arena in Manchester. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
21-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio to take a break from internationals
Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio Photo: Marty Melville / PHOTOSPORT Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio has made herself unavailable for this year's internationals. "I need this break-for my mind, body, and spirit," Ekenasio said in a statement. Ekenasio has taken time out before, including missing the Nations Cup in 2023. Since making her debut in 2014, 34-year-old Ekenasio has worn the black dress 79 times, playing a key role in New Zealand's 2019 Netball World Cup triumph and captaining the team to victory in the 2021 and 2024 Constellation Cup series, along with multiple Taini Jamison Trophy wins. She was named Silver Ferns captain in 2021 and returned to the role after the birth of her second child. Ekenasio said her decision wasn't easy. "It's been an amazing journey, but now it's time to listen to what I need personally and take space to reset." Coach Dame Noeline Taurua will be hoping the new player eligibility ruling will see Grace Nweke available for selection , otherwise she would be without two key players in the attacking circle. Silver Ferns players Grace Nweke and Ameliaranne Ekenasio. Photo: Aaron Gillions / However, Dame Noeline acknowledges Ekenasio's decision. "I've always supported athletes in making decisions that are right for them and I fully respect Ameliaranne's choice to step away from the international stage at this time," she said. "As a mother and wife, supporting a growing family, alongside the demands of being a high-performance athlete and carrying significant leadership responsibilities, the load can be immense. "I personally understand that sometimes being everything to everyone simply isn't sustainable". Taurua said Ekenasio would be missed this year, but looks forward to welcoming Ameliaranne back when she is ready. The Silver Ferns play a series against South Africa in September, before the Constellation Cup series with Australia in October. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
17-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Netball: Kiri Wills gets coaching contract extension in Australian league
Firebirds head coach Kiri Wills watches on during a warm up. Photo: Mark Kolbe Photography / Getty Images The Queensland Firebirds have extended Kiri Wills' contract through to the end of the 2027 Australian domestic competition, building on the New Zealand coach's original two-year term. Wills, who joined the Firebirds at the end of last year, became just the second New Zealand head coach in the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) competition, when she was appointed on a two-year deal. Current Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua was the first Kiwi to coach in the most competitive league in the world. Dame Noeline coached the Sunshine Coast Lightning for three years, leading them to two titles in 2017 and 2018. After seven seasons as head coach of the Stars in the ANZ Premiership, Wills felt she had reached a ceiling in New Zealand. Her first season has been challenging, with the Firebirds sitting at the bottom of the 2025 ladder with four rounds left. The 2.01m tall Ugandan shooter Mary Cholhok was a prized signing for the club but has taken a while to adapt in her first season in the league. The club said the decision to extend Wills' contract underscored the club's commitment to fostering stability and sustaining the transformative systems Wills had implemented since her appointment. Wills came in after a tumultuous 2024 season for the Firebirds on and off the court. The Firebirds let go of its coach mid-campaign, amid reports of player unrest. Netball Australia launched an investigation into the Queensland Firebirds after Remi Kamo, who now ironically plays for the Stars, complained that there was a toxic culture at the club. In March this year the national body said an independent investigator concluded that there were no breaches of the Netball Australia code of conduct and member protection policy by Netball Queensland and its management. The club said foundational progress was critical to long-term success. "Kiri has instilled structures and an environment that aligns with our vision for sustained excellence," Netball Queensland chief executive Kate Davies said. "We recognize that meaningful change requires time, and this extension ensures continuity as we accelerate toward our goals. Kiri's approach has redefined our identity. This decision is a vote of trust in her strategy and our collective future." Acknowledging on-court results haven't been what she would have wanted, Wills firmly believes that the team is progressing on her ambitions of returning to the top of the SSN in years ahead. "We're not happy with where we sit on the table, but we've laid a strong foundation," Wills said. "Our staff and players are fully invested in this vision, and we're determined to finish 2025 with pride - particularly in our final three home games." The decision to extend Wills' tenure has been welcomed by Firebirds leaders Hulita Veve and Ruby Bakewell-Doran, who praised Wills' impact on the team's culture. "Kiri has brought so much confidence into this group. She's had our back since the day she arrived," co-captain Veve said. "Kiri's knowledge of the game is outstanding and she knows netball back to front but my favourite thing about her is the way she's brought us together off the court. That connection piece is something she thrives on. Bakewell-Doran said Wills impact on the club in the past six months had been significant. "I can't wait to see what she's able to create with more time under her belt. Her vision, passion and wisdom is next to none and I feel honoured to have her leading us," Bakewell-Doran said. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
