Haier Pulse Secures Van Dyk and Newcomer Bourke   16 Aug 2014

15 August 2014

The Haier Pulse has signed up legendary shooter Irene van Dyk for 2015, along with former Northern Mystics defender Jessica Bourke.

Van Dyk, who is the world’s most capped netballer with 72 appearances for South Africa and 217 for the Silver Ferns, retired from international competition in June of this year, but is looking forward to further success with the franchise she joined in 2014.

“I am very excited about next season,” explained Irene. “We really want to be top contenders and make our sponsors and our supporters proud of us by giving it everything we have in 2015!”

Haier Pulse and Netball Central Zone CEO, Carolyn Young believes the iconic former international brings more than just her shooting prowess to the team. “Her talent and her experience bring so much to the zone,” stated Young.

“She attracts fans to the game, and engages really well with people right across the age spectrum. She resonates with everyone both on and off the court, whether it’s a 5-year old or a 75-year old, Irene crosses the divide.”

21-year old Bourke is a former New Zealand Secondary Schools and U21 player, who was drafted into the Mystics from their development squad in 2013.

The Psychology and Criminology student is looking forward to her move to Wellington later in the year. “I feel like the change to the Haier Pulse will provide me with new challenges and a new environment, where I can continue to push and better myself,” she said.

“I am really excited to be joining the Pulse for the 2015 season. My time spent at the Mystics has been extremely valuable, and I have learnt a great deal about myself as a player and what it takes to be successful in the ANZ Championship competition.

“Te Huinga and Katrina are a great defensive combination and I am looking forward to the opportunity to playing netball with them. They are both players I can learn a lot from.”

Young is thrilled to have signed up the emerging defender and is delighted to have added another young player to the roster. “The team has a good mix of young, up and coming players and players with a depth of knowledge and experience. This will help to develop foundations to build on for the future,” she added.

The Haier Pulse has already secured defenders Katrina Grant, Te Huinga Reo-Selby Rickit and Ama Agbeze, and mid-courters Elias Shadrock and Whitney Souness and shooter Ameliaranne Wells for the 2015 ANZ Championship.

ENDS

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