Training camp to be inclusive affair

WELLINGTON: Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua has named 25 players to attend next month’s Silver Ferns camp in Auckland.

The Silver Ferns camp is where Taurua will continue her buildup to next year’s Netball World Cup in England.

‘‘It’s certainly going to be allencompassing for our immediate goals of January’s Netball Quad Series and the Netball World Cup, but also the chance to consolidate relationships in many areas with an eye on the future,’’ Taurua said.

‘‘It’s a fine balancing act and very important for the growth of

Silver Ferns

PreChristmas training camp

Karin Burger, Gina Crampton, Aliyah Dunn, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Temalisi Fakahokotau (still in rehab after ACL surgery), Maria Folau, Katrina Grant, Kelly Jury, Casey Kopua, Laura Langman, Bailey Mes, Te Paea SelbyRickit, Samantha

Sinclair, Michaela SokolichBeatson, Elisapeta Toeava, Jane Watson, Maia Wilson, Sulu Fitzpatrick, Erikana Pedersen, Whitney Souness, Shannon Francois, Claire Kersten, Kimiora Poi, Erena Mikaere, Monica Falkner

our sport and to the Silver Ferns’ success. We need to provide as many opportunities to players and coaches so that we keep our options open, create internal competition and, ultimately, raise the quality and standard of our game.’’

The preChristmas camp is also an opportunity to simulate the format and intensity they can expect to face at the Netball World Cup in Liverpool in July, with backtoback games, fitness testing sessions and trainings over five days.

All six ANZ Premiership franchise coaches have been invited to take some part in the camp.

Taurua believed it was crucial to forge a closer working relationship with them.

‘‘It’s really important to me to continue to build and strengthen those relationships so that the coaches, who have these players for such a large chunk of the season, are firstly acknowledged for the work they do with these players but also understand the Ferns environment, standards that are required, and the plan moving forward so we are all on this journey together.’’

The next selection for the new national coach to consider will be for January’s Netball Quad Series tour to England, where the Silver Ferns will meet Australia, South Africa and England.

The 12 players will be named on Friday, December 14.

Taurua has looked to the Silver Ferns Development Squad to join the Auckland camp, along with defender Erena Mikaere, who links up with the Northern Mystics next year after time playing in Australia.

Defenders Casey Kopua and Kelly Jury will also be in action after recovering from injuries sustained during the ANZ Premiership. — RNZ