Laura Langman named Silver Ferns captain

LAURA LANGMAN NAMED SILVER FERNS CAPTAIN

13 September, 2018

Silver Fern Laura Langman returns to the international game with a new role after being named to lead the Silver Ferns.

Netball New Zealand has today announced Langman as Silver Ferns captain with defender Katrina Grant named vice-captain.

The duo will assume their new roles immediately with the Silver Ferns preparing to take on the England Roses in the Netball Quad Series which begins in Auckland on Saturday.

Silver Ferns head coach Noeline Taurua said Langman and Grant provided a strong captain and vice-captain combination during what was a limited build-up to the Netball Quad Series and moving forward to next month’s Constellation Cup against Australia.

“It is a very short turn around for our team heading into this series and as a group we decided Laura and Katrina were the players to fill those two leadership roles over the next two months,” Taurua said.

Langman was selected through a voting system process that included feedback from her peers, Silver Fern coaches, Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Jennie Wyllie and head of High Performance Keir Hansen, to lead the Ferns in what was an important period for the Silver Ferns.

“Laura’s leadership qualities have been recognised in regards to her high standards she sets, her passion for the game and black dress, and her strong work ethic,” Taurua said.

“She is a player who leads by example both on and off the court and has the respect of her peers.

“I know she’s excited to be playing at this level again and with the honour that comes with captaining your country and with the leadership experience that Katrina brings they will provide a strong foundation base for the side.”

Langman and Grant will fill the roles through to the Constellation Cup and the positions will be reviewed looking ahead to next year’s Netball World Cup in England.

Langman made her debut in the black dress in 2005 against the England Roses – the same year she captained the New Zealand Under-21 team to victory at the World Youth Cup.

She has since played 141 Tests for the Silver Ferns including three World Cups and three Commonwealth Games.

The Silver Ferns begin their campaign under Taurua on Saturday in the Netball Quad Series opener against England. The Series also includes Tests against South Africa and Australia.

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