Grant and Langman to lead Silver Ferns   17 Aug 2016

Grant and Langman to lead Silver Ferns

Wednesday 17 August, 2016
Katrina Grant will become the 26th player to captain the Silver Ferns, with Laura Langman named vice-captain.

Announced today by Netball New Zealand, 29-year-old Grant joins the likes of Margaret Matangi (1), Anna Stanley (22), and most recently Casey Kopua (24) to captain her country.

“Every time I play for my country it is an absolute honour, and to now be given the opportunity to lead the Silver Ferns as their captain alongside Laura – I’m still a little lost for words,” Grant said.

“It is an amazing feeling and one I’m not sure will sink in until we stand arm-in-arm for the first Test to sing the national anthem.”

Grant and Langman will lead a new-look Silver Ferns team into the Netball Quad Series, featuring three debutants; Storm Purvis, Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Maia Wilson.

Coach Janine Southby says Katrina and Laura will be an excellent leadership team for the Silver Ferns going forward.

“It is exciting to be able to name Katrina as captain and Laura as vice-captain. Their immense leadership, years of experience, respect for the Black Dress and the regard they are held in by their peers is a tribute to the type of people they are,” Southby said.

“There is an experienced core in this Silver Ferns team and a number of new faces who will continue to build and shape the team as we head towards the 2018 Commonwealth Games and Netball World Cup LIVERPOOL 2019.”

The Silver Ferns will open their 2016 international season against world number three, England Roses, in a blockbuster doubleheader on Saturday 27 August at Vector Arena, Auckland. Great seats are still available via Ticketmaster NZ.

Silver Ferns team for Netball Quad Series
Kayla Cullen
Ameliaranne Ekenasio (nee Wells)
Shannon Francois
Katrina Grant (captain)
Anna Harrison
Phoenix Karaka
Laura Langman (vice-captain)
Bailey Mes
Storm Purvis
Grace Rasmussen
Te Paea Selby-Rickit
Maia Wilson

Additions to Silver Ferns squad
Phoenix Karaka
Te Paea Selby-Rickit
Maia Wilson

NZA team for warm-up matches against visiting international teams:
Jamie Hume
Ellen Halpenny
Cathrine Tuivaiti
Monica Falkner
Gina Crampton
Erikana Pederson
Jamie-Lee Price
Sam Sinclair
Kelly Jury
Jane Watson
Jess Moulds
Holly Fowler

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY
Wednesday 17 August – team announcement
Who: Silver Ferns team, plus Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby
Where: Commonwealth Room, Millennium Institute of Sport, Antares Place, Mairangi Bay
When: 10.30 – 11.30am
Please liaise with Kerry Manders on 021 410 970, to confirm your attendance.

USEFUL INFO
Online home of the Silver Ferns - silverferns.co.nz
Silver Ferns Match Day info - click here

The Netball Quad Series will be broadcast LIVE in New Zealand on SKY Sport (check local guides).

ENDS.

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