Foster joins Ferns

Netball

One of Netball New Zealand’s most ardent critics has joined the Silver Ferns coaching lineup.

Former Silver Fern Marg Foster announced on Facebook she has been hired as a specialist midcourt coach.

‘‘Am feeling really proud. Just signed on to be the Silver Ferns specialist coach. Middies watch out,’’ Foster posted.

Netball NZ is yet to officially confirm the move, but it is understood Foster is one of several technical coaches that Noeline Taurua has brought on board to lend their expertise in the lead-up to the World Cup.

The addition of Foster to the Netball NZ payroll would have been an unthinkable development at this time last year, with the former midcourter an outspoken opponent of the national programme over the last few years.

She lashed out at Netball NZ when Taurua was overlooked for the Silver Ferns coaching role at the end of 2015, and was scathing of Janine Southby’s regime.

Foster was also critical of Netball NZ’s decision not to waive their eligibility rules for Silver Ferns star Laura Langman. Langman was blocked from selection in the national side in 2017 and 2018 after opting to take up a contract with the Sunshine Coast Lightning in the Australian league.

Netball NZ last year backed down from its position, granting Langman an exemption to play in the Australian competition following a damning review into the Ferns’ fourth-placed finish at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

Foster, who served as Taurua’s assistant coach at the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic in the now-defunct trans-Tasman league, has previously led the New Zealand A programme, and coached in England, the Caribbean and the Cook Islands.

The Netball World Cup will be held in Liverpool, England, in July.