Noeline Taurua hints at Silver Ferns exit
The players are desperate for her to stay but Noeline Taurua has hinted at stepping down as Silver Ferns coach when her new contract expires in January.
Speaking at yesterday’s parliamentary reception in Wellington, where the World Cup winners’ were recognised by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for their incredible efforts in Liverpool, Taurua vowed to continue helping Netball New Zealand but gave the strongest indication yet that she will not be at the helm when the Silver Ferns look to defend their title in 2023.
Last week Taurua signed a short-term contract extension, which runs through to next year’s Northern Quad Series, but her future beyond that period is up the air.
‘‘I’m not too sure to be honest. ‘‘I’ve been coaching for a very long time and sometimes I think is there anything else I can actually do? I love the challenge of what the Silver Ferns did bring and knowing we only had 11 months to build it, and I loved that and the learning that went behind it. So I suppose I have to be able to find the passion and where I fit in what needs to happen moving forward,’’ Taurua said. ‘‘I’ve been going for the past two years, I’ve been running two programmes at the same time; here with the Silver Ferns and also in Sunshine Coast with my Lightning team. It has just been really hectic to run two programmes and I know I can fully commit until the end of January but then I need to have that rest just to pull off and decide as to what I am going to do next, hence the reason I have only signed short-term.
‘‘Netball has been a big part of my life and will be right throughout and unfortunately you can’t walk away because it is in the bones, but as to what role that will be moving forward I am uncertain. I always know that I have got skin in the game anyway so would be always around to support.’’
Taurua, who has already confirmed she is stepping down from her other job as Sunshine Coast Lightning coach, did not rule out taking a sabbatical.
Taurua said yesterday’s reception was her first real chance to reflect on what the the Silver Ferns achieved in Liverpool, stunning rivals Australia 52-51 in the final to win their first title in 16 years.
While Taurua has confirmed she will be back at the helm for the upcoming Constellation Cup series against Australia, the involvement of veterans Laura Langman and Maria Folau remains unclear as both players consider retirement.