Silver Ferns Announce Squad for Upcoming Constellation Cup Series

The Silver Ferns have officially announced their squad for the upcoming Constellation Cup, revealing just one change from the team that competed in last month’s Taini Jamison series against South Africa. Amelia Walmsley has been included in the lineup following her impressive performance with the New Zealand U21 side at the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar, where they finished in second place. Walmsley replaces Filda Vui, who made her debut for the Silver Ferns during the same series.

Several notable players, including Kate Burley, Tayla Earle, and Saviour Tui, were not selected for this series but may have opportunities to join the team when the Silver Ferns travel to the UK next month for matches against Scotland and England.

Coaching Changes Ahead of the Series

Over the weekend, Netball New Zealand announced that head coach Dame Noeline Taurua will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 season. Her absence follows unsuccessful mediation efforts last week. In her place, Yvette McCausland-Durie has stepped in as interim coach for the Taini Jamison series and will continue this role for the remainder of the year.

McCausland-Durie expressed enthusiasm for the blend of experienced players and emerging talent in the squad. “The Constellation Cup is always a fiercely contested series and we’ve selected a squad capable of rising to the challenge. We believe this group can push the Diamonds hard across all four Tests,” she stated.

She highlighted Walmsley’s inclusion as a significant move, emphasizing the confidence the coaching staff has in her potential. “Her performances in Gibraltar showed she can handle pressure on the global stage, and we look forward to seeing her back in the Silver Ferns dress,” McCausland-Durie added.

Constellation Cup Details and Schedule

The Silver Ferns lifted the Constellation Cup for the third time last year after defeating the Australian Diamonds 3-1 in the series. During the recent South Africa series, rotating captains were utilized. An announcement regarding the captain and vice-captain of the Silver Ferns will be made by the end of their training camp.

The team will gather for a training camp from October 7 to 11, 2023, before heading to Australia for the series opener in Melbourne on October 17, 2023. The schedule for the Constellation Cup includes matches at significant venues:

– **October 17** – John Cain Arena, Melbourne
– **October 22** – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
– **October 26** – Globox Arena, Hamilton
– **October 29** – Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch

The Silver Ferns are poised to enter the Constellation Cup with a mix of talent and experience, aiming to build on their previous victory and further establish their position in international netball.