Netball Silver Ferns

New Zealand National Netball Team

The Silver Ferns represent Netball New Zealand on the global stage by participating in various prestigious netball tournaments. These include the Netball World Cup, Commonwealth Games, Taini Jamison Trophy, Constellation Cup, Netball Quad Series, and Fast5 Netball World Series.

History of the Silver Ferns

On the 20th of August 1938, New Zealand’s Silver Ferns made their historic debut in a test match against Australia at Royal Park in Melbourne. This significant event wasn’t just a milestone for the Silver Ferns, but for the sport of netball itself. It marked the first-ever official test match between New Zealand and Australia and also holds the distinction of being the world’s inaugural international netball match. This iconic encounter laid the foundation for international netball and marked the beginning of what would become a fierce and celebrated rivalry between the two netball powerhouses.

From that very first match, the Silver Ferns have been Australia’s most formidable opponents on the world stage. Over the decades, the rivalry between the Silver Ferns and the Australian Diamonds has become one of the most compelling in women’s sport. Between 1963 and 2015, the two teams dominated the World Netball Championships and the Commonwealth Games, frequently facing off in the finals and often producing nail-biting finishes.

The consistent success of the Silver Ferns on the international scene has helped elevate the status of netball in New Zealand and across the globe. Their fierce battles with Australia have pushed the boundaries of athletic performance, tactical strategy, and sportsmanship. For fans, any clash between the Silver Ferns and the Diamonds is more than just a game—it’s a display of elite-level competition and national pride, reinforcing the Silver Ferns’ place as one of the most respected and successful teams in international netball.

Tournament History

New Zealand’s history in the Netball World Cup dates to the inaugural tournament in 1963, where they have been a constant presence ever since. The turning point came in the 1967 World Netball Championships when New Zealand claimed their first world title. The 1979 World Netball Championships witnessed a unique scenario where New Zealand, Australia, and Trinidad and Tobago shared the gold medal.

The Silver Ferns dominance continued in the 1987 World Netball Championships as they emerged champions once more and secured their fourth title in the 2003 World Netball Championships. And most recently they reached the pinnacle of success once again in the 2019 Netball World Cup.

World Games

From 1985 to 1993, New Zealand actively participated in the World Games by earning an impressive record of two gold and one silver medals. The inaugural tournament in 1985 witnessed a thrilling victory for New Zealand as they triumphed over Australia 39–37 in the final, securing the coveted gold medal. In the 1993 World Games, New Zealand maintained their competitive edge and earned a well-deserved silver medal, further solidifying their status as a force in the world of sports.

Commonwealth Games

In 1990, when netball was a demonstration sport, they faced Australia in a one-off match, losing to their trans-Tasman rivals. Starting from 1998 until 2014, the Silver Ferns reached the final of every tournament during this period. Within these tournaments, they achieved a total of two gold and three silver medals, further solidifying their position as one of the top contenders in the sport. A defining moment came in 2006 when New Zealand triumphed over Australia to secure their first gold medal.

Taini Jamison Trophy

Since 2008, Netball New Zealand has hosted the Taini Jamison Trophy, a netball tournament that welcomes visiting teams, excluding Australia. In the inaugural 2008 Series, New Zealand asserted their dominance by clinching the gold medal and securing the top spot on the podium. They continued their winning streak from 2010 to 2017, except in 2012, winning the gold every year.

Constellation Cup

Since 2010, the Constellation Cup has been the fiercely contested netball series between New Zealand and Australia. In 2012, New Zealand won for the first time but then not again until 2021. Over the years, the Constellation Cup has been a closely fought contest, with New Zealand and Australia displaying their best.

Notable Past Players

Several netball players from New Zealand have earned significant appearances for their national team, proudly representing the Silver Ferns on the international stage. These athletes have not only contributed to the team’s success over the years but have also become role models for future generations of netballers. Among them, Laura Langman stands out as a true legend, holding the record with 163 appearances for New Zealand between 2005 and 2020. Known for her exceptional fitness, leadership, and versatility on the court, Langman captained the Silver Ferns and played a pivotal role in their 2019 Netball World Cup victory.

Closely following Langman is Maria Folau, who earned 150 caps from 2005 to 2019. Celebrated for her sharp shooting and competitive spirit, Folau was a consistent force in the attacking circle and one of New Zealand’s most reliable goal attacks. Another icon, Irene van Dyk, originally from South Africa, made a massive impact after switching allegiance to New Zealand in 2000. She played 145 times for the Silver Ferns until her retirement in 2014 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters in netball history.

In recognition of their excellence and contributions to the sport, several netball internationals have been inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame. Among them is Joan Harnett, who made 26 appearances from 1963 to 1971 and was known for her skillful play and strategic mind. Lois Muir, both a player and a legendary coach, earned 13 caps between 1960 and 1964. Waimarama Taumaunu, a powerful defender and later a coach, represented the country 77 times from 1981 to 1991. Rita Fatialofa, with 45 appearances from 1982 to 1989, brought flair and strength to the midcourt, while Sandra Edge, one of the finest wing attacks New Zealand has produced, played 89 times from 1985 to 1995.

These athletes have all left a lasting legacy, contributing to the rich heritage of New Zealand netball and inspiring countless fans and aspiring players across the nation.

Current Team

2023 New Zealand Squad Roster:

Karin Burger (WD, GD, GK), Mainland Tactix, Caps: 37
Gina Crampton (WA, C), Northern Stars, Caps: 63
Ameliaranne Ekenasio (Captain) (GS, GA), Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, Caps: 57
Maddy Gordon (WA, C, WD), Central Pulse, Caps: 6
Kate Heffernan (WD, C, WA), Southern Steel, Caps: 15
Kelly Jury (GK, GD), Central Pulse, Caps: 46
Phoenix Karaka (GK, GD, WD), Northern Mystics Nationality, Caps: 50
Grace Nweke (GS), Northern Mystics, Caps: 21
Te Paea Selby-Rickit (GA, GS), Mainland Tactix, Caps: 59
Whitney Souness (WA, C), Central Pulse, Caps: 30
Jane Watson (GK, GD), Mainland Tactix, Caps: 56
Maia Wilson (GS, GA), Northern Stars, Caps: 38
Sulu Fitzpatrick (GK, GD, WD), Northern Mystics, Caps: 27
Tiana Metuarau (GA, GS), Central Pulse, Caps: 6
Mila Reuelu-Buchanan (WA, C), Northern Stars, Caps: 3

[GK] Goal Keeper, [GD] Goal Defence Position, [WD] Wing Defence, [C] Centre Position, [WA] Wing Attack, [GA] Goal Attack Position, and [GS] Goal Shooter.