Silver Ferns Team named for English Series in January

National Selectors have today announced the Silver Ferns team to take on England in next month’s three-test series in England.

Former Silver Fern and current squad member shooter Anna Thompson returns to the team in place of Temepara George who was unavailable due to ongoing rehabilitation from recent minor ankle surgery.

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken believes this tour is an important part of the team’s selection and preparation for the World Championships in Singapore next year.

“With the World Netball Championships only six months away I felt it was important to continue to develop further depth.  Anna really stood up and delivered a strong shooting performance in the gold medal winning NZ FastNet Ferns side and selectors felt she should be rewarded with a spot in the team.

“It is great to be able to bring another shooting option into the side and with the versatility of both Grace Rasmussen and Anna Thompson who can also provide WA cover, we are looking forward to seeing the resourcefulness that this group will bring” said Aitken.

The three-Test Series will be the Silver Ferns first matches since their gold medal winning performance at the Commonwealth Games in October.

The Silver Ferns will depart for England on Sunday 9th January.

The Silver Ferns team is:

Leana de Bruin

Katrina Grant

Joline Henry

Laura Langman

Liana Leota (nee Barrett-Chase)

Grace Rasmussen

Anna Scarlett

Anna Thompson

Maria Tutaia

Irene van Dyk

Casey Williams (captain)

Daneka Wipiiti

Silver Ferns v England

Three Test Series

Saturday 15th January - Manchester: M.E.N Arena,

Monday 17th January - Nottingham: Trent FM Arena

Wednesday 19th January - London: O2 Arena, Millennium Way,