Silver Ferns Return Stars for Netball Quad Series
The Silver Ferns have added invaluable experience to their squad as the build into their defence of the World Cup in 2023.
They are set to gain 165 test caps with defenders Jane Watson and Karin Burger, and midcourters Gina Crampton and Claire Kersten named in the team for next month’s Netball Quad Series in South Africa.
The series in Cape Town from January 22-26 features South Africa, New Zealand, England and Australia and will foreshadow the World Cup in the same city in late July and early August.
The Silver Ferns won the 2019 World Cup in Liverpool, England. Coach Dame Noeline Taurua said she was delighted to welcome back the experienced heads, with Watson, Burger, and Crampton all 2019 World Cup winners, and was excited to see what they would bring
The Silver Ferns depart for Cape Town on January 16.
to the Silver Ferns mix after some time away.
“The Quad Series is a stage of our planning as we build up to the 2023 Netball World Cup. We cannot underestimate the amount of netball nous and leadership that returns to the court with these players,” Taurua said.
“It is a significant year ahead with the World Cup in South Africa, so that big-game experience becomes crucial, and I can see the work they have done behind the scenes has supported their desire to be back in the Silver Ferns environment. They haven’t relied on the past, they earned their selection.”
The Silver Ferns depart for Cape Town on January 15.
Silver Ferns : Karin Burger, Gina Crampton, Ameliaranne Ekenasio (captain), Sulu Fitzpatrick, Kate Heffernan, Kelly Jury, Phoenix Karaka, Claire Kersten, Grace Nweke, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Whitney Souness, Peta Toeava, Jane Watson, Maia Wilson.