Netball New Zealand Issues Gag Order Amid Taurua Coaching Uncertainty

Netball New Zealand (NNZ) has instructed players to refrain from commenting on the future of head coach Dame Noeline Taurua as uncertainty looms over her position. The directive follows a passionate appeal from New Zealand’s star shooter, Grace Nweke, during the post-series presentation for the Taini Jamison Trophy held in Invercargill this past Sunday. Nweke expressed her hopes for Taurua’s return, stating that the team greatly missed her leadership.

Following Nweke’s comments, NNZ reportedly sent a memo to players warning them that discussing the coaching situation could jeopardize their national contracts. This stern communication underscores the organization’s desire to maintain control over the narrative surrounding Taurua’s potential reinstatement.

The situation became increasingly complex as Taurua engaged in lengthy discussions with NNZ officials earlier this week. As of Thursday, no official announcement had been made regarding her future with the team. The organization faces a critical decision point as it considers whether to reinstate Taurua or move forward with alternative leadership.

Interim coach Yvette McCausland-Durie led the team during the Taini Jamison Trophy series, which New Zealand won decisively, claiming a 3-0 victory over South Africa. McCausland-Durie is poised to continue in her role for the upcoming Constellation Cup series, should Taurua not return. She was supported by former Silver Ferns player Liana Leota during the recent matches.

Taurua’s absence stemmed from a training camp in Sydney earlier this year, where players voiced concerns about her coaching style and leadership. As tensions escalated, NNZ made the difficult decision to stand her down just ten days before the Taini Jamison Trophy series.

The announcement of a 14-player Silver Ferns squad for the Constellation Cup was anticipated on Friday but is now likely to be revealed on Monday. The first test of the Constellation Cup against world champions Australia is scheduled for October 17, 2023, in Melbourne, leaving little time for the team to prepare.

The Silver Ferns are set to gather in Auckland on Tuesday for a training camp ahead of this highly anticipated series. Management will arrive on Monday, but it remains unclear if Taurua will be present as head coach. Despite the coaching uncertainty, it is expected that the national selectors, including former Silver Ferns coach and captain Leigh Gibbs, will still unveil the squad.

The composition of the Ferns squad is likely to mirror that of the Taini Jamison Trophy series, with the return of shooter Amelia Walmsley, who missed the South African series due to commitments with the New Zealand under-21 team.

As the roadmap towards the Constellation Cup takes shape, the coaching saga surrounding Taurua continues to overshadow preparations. Under her guidance last year, New Zealand achieved a notable 3-1 upset victory against Australia, marking only the third time the Silver Ferns have secured the trans-Tasman trophy. She also led the team to success during the Covid-19-affected 2021 series in Christchurch.

In contrast, Australia has announced a formidable squad for the upcoming Constellation Cup, led by the talented wing attack Liz Watson. The Diamonds will enter the series with momentum, playing three warm-up matches against South Africa, starting in Bendigo, Victoria, on Saturday.

As the countdown to the Constellation Cup begins, the Silver Ferns are facing critical choices that may define their path forward in international netball. With the stakes high and emotions running deep, all eyes will be on NNZ and the team’s leadership in the coming days.