Sport

Netball NZ unable to sign Taurua on long term deal

15:21 pm on 20 August 2019

Netball New Zealand has been unable to pin down Silver Ferns coach Noelene Taurua on a long term deal.

Silver Ferns head coach Noelene Taurua. Photo: Photosport

Taurua's contract with the Silver Ferns expired at the end of the side's successful world championship campaign in Liverpool in July.

She has now signed on for the upcoming Constellation Cup series in October followed by the Northern Quad series in England in January but isn't willing to commit beyond then.

Taurua said she will then take time out to consider her next move following the Quad series.

Taurua also announced today she would leave the Sunshine Coast Lightning at the end of the Australian domestic season.

Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennie Wyllie says they want Taurua in the Silver Ferns top job long term but she isn't pepared to make that commitment at this stage.

"It has been an absolute privilege to coach the Silver Ferns and work with such a special group of people," she said.

"I need to take the time to settle back home and contemplate where the next journey will take my family."

Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennie Wyllie was happy with Taurua's short-term decision.

"Obviously we'd love for Noeline to remain in the head coaching role but that is a long-term commitment that only she can make."