Way cleared for Langman to play for Lightning, NZ
SYDNEY: The dream has come true for New Zealand midcourt ace Laura Langman, who will rejoin Super Netball champions Sunshine Coast Lightning and be eligible to play for the Silver Ferns.
Langman (32) played in Lightning’s first title win last year, when she was ineligible to represent New Zealand because she was playing overseas.
She did not return to Queensland for year two of the competition, when Lightning clinched backtoback titles.
However, Netball New Zealand has relaxed its eligibility qualifications and granted Langman a 12month exemption under the Silver Ferns selection policy, enabling her to rejoin Lightning.
‘‘It was a club that has a real focus on its people and for me that really resonates,’’ Langman said.
‘‘My time there, it makes you want to be a professional athlete for the rest of your life.
‘‘I’ve got an exemption, which is absolutely fantastic, so I will do my New Zealand commitments until maybe February, and then head across the Ditch and start with the Lightning for preseason.
‘‘I’m really excited. It’s been a dream, to be honest, to be able to play in Super Netball, but also still be able to play for the Ferns, so I’m really pumped for what 2019 has in store.’’
Langman was the first frontline Silver Fern to switch to an Australian club in the old transtasman competition, in which she turned out for the NSW Swifts in 2016.
Returning to Lightning will reunite her with coach Noeline Tauraua, who like Langman, will also split her time next year between the Sunshine Coast and the Silver Ferns. — AAP