SPORT

The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) together with Netball New Zealand today announced the 12-strong Netball team that will represent New Zealand, and defend their Gold Medal, at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India.

Former NZU21 team member and Northern Mystics player Grace Rasmussen is the new cap in the Silver Ferns side named today and is joined by three re-called Silver Ferns, shooter Daneka Wipiiti and defenders Leana de Bruin and Anna Scarlett who all make a comeback to the team.

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken said there were some tough selection decisions but that she and the National Selectors were confident the 12 players selected will continue to develop further individually and as a unit over the coming months until the Commonwealth Games in October.

“I am excited about the team we have selected,” Aitken said, “Each of these players knows the commitment needed both physically and mentally to win back to back Commonwealth Games Gold Medals”

The Silver Ferns leave for Delhi on the 24th September and will compete against England, Papua New Guinea, The Cook Islands, South Africa and Barbados in Pool Play, beginning 4th October.

In the lead up to the Commonwealth Games the Silver Ferns will play Samoa, Jamaica and Australia in the New World International Netball Series.

The Commonwealth Games take place in Delhi, India 3 – 14 October.  New Zealand’s total Commonwealth Games team is expected to number 195 athletes and 100 support staff. The team will come together to honour Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.  Final selections will be made in early August. 

New Zealand Netball team is:

Liana Barrett-Chase
Leana de Bruin
Temepara George (vice-captain)
Katrina Grant
Joline Henry
Laura Langman
Grace Rasmussen
Anna Scarlett
Maria Tutaia
Irene van Dyk
Casey Williams (captain)
Daneka Wipiiti

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Silver Ferns International Schedule