Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio will miss January's Netball Nations Cup in England to "recharge the batteries" for 2024.
The Silver Ferns announced this afternoon Ekenasio has requested to sit out the start of the Silver Ferns' 2024 campaign which begins in the UK when they take on hosts England, Australia, and Uganda.
The 70-Test shooter captained the Silver Ferns at this year's Netball World Cup in South Africa, before leading the team to a Taini Jamison Trophy series win over England as well as a narrow Constellation Cup series defeat to Australia last month.
While it was a tough decision, the 32-year-old said it was important to have some time away after an intense year.
"This is an opportunity to recharge the batteries, freshen up and spend some quality time with family ahead to the build-up to next year's ANZ Premiership," Ekenasio said.
Ekenasio's decision comes after first-choice midcourter Gina Crampton announced earlier this year she would be taking a "break" from netball altogether for a move to the US.
Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua said player welfare remained at the forefront and she backed Ekenasio's request.
"As part of our World Cup build-up this year, Ameliaranne, as Silver Ferns captain, has had a particularly heavy workload which was followed by a busy international season over the last two months," she said.
"She captains our team with immense pride and brings experience and a calming presence to the Silver Ferns. The physical loading in any pinnacle year is massive, and we want all athletes to have longevity in our game. We are mindful of the commitment that is required to keep body and mind balanced and it's important that she takes time to rest and rejuvenate.
"We will miss Meels when we head to the Nations Cup but as we move into a new four-year-cycle, this is also an exciting moment for another player to lead the Silver Ferns, to grow our leadership group, and the depth of the Silver Ferns' shooting circle. It gives others the opportunity to step up, which is a positive thing."
A three-day Silver Ferns trial begins in Auckland on Sunday ahead of the team for the Nations Cup being named on Thursday, December 14.
A Silver Ferns touring captain will be named at a later date, Netball NZ said.
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