Lightning’s Taurua gets to coach Ferns, too

WELLINGTON: The stars have aligned for Noeline Taurua, who gets to remain with the Sunshine Coast Lightning while pursuing her Silver Ferns coaching dream.

Accomplished Kiwi coach Taurua was unveiled yesterday as New Zealand’s coach through to next year’s World Cup, replacing Janine Southby.

Taurua will be charged with restoring the fortunes of a Silver Ferns side that slumped to a historic low finish of fourth at April’s Commonwealth Games.

The 50yearold became an instant target for NNZ when Southby resigned in the wake of a damning review of the failure on the Gold Coast.

Taurua’s appointment also comes five days after the Lightning beat the West Coast Fever to snare backtoback Super Netball premierships.

In an unprecedented move, she will continue coaching the Lightning next year, juggling the final year of her contract with Silver Fern duties.

No Super Netball coach has previously held a concurrent international post but the Lightning gave Taurua the allclear after agreement was reached between NNZ and Netball Australia.

The Lightning’s players and staff were also consulted.

The Super Netball players are in their offseason during the looming Quad Series and Constellation Cup series, both involving Australia, meaning no crossover for Taurua.

Next year Super Netball has a fourweek break during the World Cup.

It is unclear what New Zealand’s programme will be in the leadup but Taurua expects to be courtside for every game involving both teams.

‘‘I’m very lucky the seasons have aligned,’’ she said.

‘‘I’m so fortunate. I will miss nothing with the Silver Ferns and nothing with Sunshine Coast Lightning.’’

She said Lightning assistant Kylee Byrne would fill any gaps in preparation if required.

Lightning chief executive Danielle Smith believes Taurua is the sort of person who can make the dual role work.

‘‘Noeline’s work ethic, coaching expertise and people skills are second to none and we believe our club can only benefit from her adopting this dual role,’’ she said. ‘‘It will create additional opportunities for her to learn and grow as a coach.’’

A former Silver Ferns goal attack, Taurua has enjoyed considerable coaching success at domestic level.

She oversaw New Zealand’s only title in the former transtasman league, steering Waikato Bay of Plenty to victory in 2012.

A year earlier, Taurua was a Silver Ferns assistant.

She had coveted the top job but, surprisingly, missed the short list of candidates when Southby’s underwhelming tenure began in 2015.

Taurua’s long association with midcourter Laura Langman and defender Casey Kopua has helped convince both Silver Ferns greats to make themselves available again this year. —

I’m so fortunate. I will miss nothing with the Silver Ferns and nothing with Sunshine

Coast Lightning