Ex-Silver Ferns captain Laura Langman is speaking out against Netball NZ's decision to leave reinstated coach Dame Noeline Taurua off the Northern Tour.
The team will head to Scotland next week without their veteran coach, instead opting for interim coaches Yvette McClauseland-Durie and Liana Leota to lead the charge.
According to Netball NZ, the decision was made to minimise disruption to the Silver Ferns while they compete internationally. In a statement released earlier this week, Netball NZ said Dame Noeline's return as head coach was effective immediately, but interim coaching appointments would remain in place until the conclusion of the Northern Tour.
Netball NZ CEO Jennie Wyllie has acknowledged that the organisation has work to do to rebuild trust and apologised for the impact of the situation on the sport. "There's been a lot of hurt across the system, across netball, and we've all felt it. None of us ever wanted that to be the case, and for that, we are apologising," she said.
Wyllie explained that the decision for Dame Noeline not to travel with the team to the UK was mutually agreed to reduce pressure on the players. "They've had quite a lot on their plate. They're trying to perform on the world stage currently with interim coaching setups and arrangements, and this was something we mutually agreed would be beneficial," she said.
However, Langman told 1News she disagreed with it. "I don't think Netball NZ or the board are setting Noels or the team up for success in July 2026," Langman said, referring to the Commonwealth Games.
"To not have your leader in Noels kind of reinforcing and having a solid leadership group to lead these actions on the daily, I just don't think they're setting them up for success."
The Silver Ferns recently concluded their Constellation Cup series against Australia, with the Diamonds claiming the trophy after a thrilling series decider. Although the Ferns won the fourth test 62-57 to level the series 2-2, they lost the extra time period 12-11. Despite the loss, Langman said she's excited about the talent within the Silver Ferns squad.
However, Langman believes that having Dame Noeline on the tour is crucial for the team's preparation. "You're looking at how day-to-day operatings will happen. To me, having your head coach who is going to be taking that Commonwealth team is absolutely crucial to be there," Langman says.
The current Silver Ferns team is considered young compared to the team that won the 2019 Netball World Cup. That team was led by experienced players like Langman, Maria Folau, and Casey Kopua, who were pivotal in securing the World Cup title after a short 11 month campaign, following Taurua's appointment.
The team's median age in 2019 was 29, with four players having over 100 test caps each.
In contrast, the current team has a mix of experienced and young players, with many having fewer test caps.
The upcoming Northern Tour next week consists of two tests against Scotland and three tests against England. It is a key part of the Silver Ferns' preparation for the Commonwealth Games. However, with no tests scheduled for early next year, the Commonwealth Games matches could be the Ferns' first with their reinstated coach.
Langman questions whether the playing group was consulted about Dame Noeline's absence from the tour. "I would raise the question, has this playing group been consulted and do they feel like they want disruption now eight months out or a month out from the Commonwealth Games? I know where I would want to have it," she said.
In raising her concerns, Langman believes the team is currently playing as individuals rather than a cohesive unit. "This tour is crucial to get them working as a team," she said.
Netball NZ responds to Langman's concerns
In response to Langman's criticism, Netball NZ released a statement to 1News.
"We appreciate there has been a lot of interest in the Silver Ferns and people will have their opinions on how Dame Noeline returns to the team environment," the statement said.
"Given the incredibly short turnaround between the Constellation Cup and Northern Tour the decision was made to minimise disruption to the team by keeping the interim coaches in place.
"We also have work to do with Dame Noeline to implement the changes we've agreed on to strengthen the Silver Ferns programme and having her available in New Zealand means we can move forward on that immediately. It is nine months until the Commonwealth Games begin, giving us time to prepare."
SHARE ME