# List of New Zealand international netball players

The following is a list of notable New Zealand netball international players who have represented the national team in international tournaments such as the Commonwealth Games, the Netball World Cup, the World Games, the Taini Jamison Trophy, the Constellation Cup, the Netball Quad Series and in other senior test matches.

## Current squad

The current squad was selected for the 2024 Constellation Cup.
Source:

## First Test

On 20 August 1938, New Zealand made their test debut in an away match against at Australia at Royal Park, Melbourne. Australia defeated New Zealand 40–11. This was the first netball Test between Australia and New Zealand. It was also the world's first international netball match. The following New Zealand netball internationals played in this first test.
| Player | Appearances | Years |
| Margaret Matangi | 1 | 1938 |
| Jean Mitchell | 1 | 1938 |
| Ethel Divers | 1 | 1938 |
| Muriel Boswell | 1 | 1938 |
| Mary Martin | 1 | 1938 |
| Ethel Withell | 1 | 1938 |
| Jean Lomax | 1 | 1938 |

## First home test

On 20 August 1948, New Zealand hosted their first home test against Australia at Forbury Park. Australia defeated New Zealand 27–16. The following New Zealand netball internationals played in this first home test.
| Player | Appearances | Years |
| Oonah Shannahan | 1 | 1948 |
| Azalea Sinclair | 1 | 1948 |
| Dixie Cockerton | 1 | 1948 |
| Josie Yelas | 3 | 1948 |
| Alison Preston-Thomas | 3 | 1948 |
| Mary Sullivan | 2 | 1948 |
| Dell Bandeen | 2 | 1948 |

## Captains

| Years | Captains | Series/Tournaments |
| 1938 | Margaret Matangi | First Test against Australia |
| 1948 | Oonah Shannahan | First test home series against Australia |
| 1948 | Beverley Malcolm | Second test home series against Australia |
| 1948 | Betty Plant | Third test home series against Australia |
| 1960 | June Mariu | Away series against Australia |
| 1963 | Pamela Barham | 1963 World Netball Championships |
| 1967 | Judy Blair | 1967 World Netball Championships |
| 1971 | Joan Harnett | 1971 World Netball Championships |
| 1975 | Shirley Langrope | 1975 World Netball Championships |
| 1979–1985 | Lyn Gunson | 1979 World Netball Championships 1983 World Netball Championships 1985 World Games |
| 1987 | Leigh Gibbs | 1987 World Netball Championships |
| 1988 | Tracey Fear | |
| 1989–1991 | Waimarama Taumaunu | 1989 World Games 1991 World Netball Championships |
| 1990 | Julie Townsend | 1990 Commonwealth Games |
| 1992 | Ana Noovao | |
| 1992–1993 | Julie Carter | 1993 World Games |
| 1994–1995 | Sandra Edge | 1995 World Netball Championships |
| 1996–1997 | Lesley Rumball | |
| 1997, 2000–2001 | Bernice Mene | |
| 1997–1999 | Belinda Colling | 1998 Commonwealth Games 1999 World Netball Championships |
| 2002, 2008 | Julie Seymour | 2002 Commonwealth Games 2008 Taini Jamison Trophy Series |
| 2002–2004 | Anna Rowberry | 2003 World Netball Championships |
| 2004–2007 | Adine Wilson | 2006 Commonwealth Games 2007 World Netball Championships |
| 2008–2015 | Casey Kopua (née Williams) | 2009 Taini Jamison Trophy Series 2010 Taini Jamison Trophy Series 2010 Constellation Cup 2011 Constellation Cup 2010 Commonwealth Games 2011 World Netball Championships 2012 Netball Quad Series 2013 Constellation Cup 2013 Taini Jamison Trophy Series 2014 Commonwealth Games 2014 Constellation Cup 2014 Taini Jamison Trophy Series 2015 Taini Jamison Trophy Series 2015 Netball World Cup 2015 Constellation Cup |
| 2011 | Temepara George | 2011 Constellation Cup |
| 2008 2011–2012 2018–2019 | Laura Langman | 2008 Taini Jamison Trophy Series 2011 Taini Jamison Trophy Series 2011 Constellation Cup 2012 Constellation Cup 2018 Netball Quad Series (September) 2018 Constellation Cup 2019 Netball Quad Series 2019 Netball World Cup 2019 Constellation Cup |
| 2016–2018 | Katrina Rore | 2016 Netball Quad Series 2016 Taini Jamison Trophy Series 2016 Constellation Cup 2017 Netball Quad Series (January/February) 2017 Netball Quad Series (August/September) 2017 Taini Jamison Trophy Series 2017 Constellation Cup 2018 Netball Quad Series (January) 2018 Taini Jamison Trophy Series 2018 Commonwealth Games |
| 2020– | Ameliaranne Ekenasio | 2020 Netball Nations Cup 2020 Taini Jamison Trophy Series 2021 Constellation Cup 2022 Taini Jamison Trophy Series 2022 Constellation Cup 2023 Netball Quad Series 2023 Taini Jamison Trophy Series 2023 Constellation Cup |
| 2020–2021 | Jane Watson | 2021 Constellation Cup |
| 2021 | Gina Crampton | 2021 Constellation Cup 2021 Taini Jamison Trophy Series 2022 Netball Quad Series 2022 Commonwealth Games |
| 2021 | Sulu Fitzpatrick | 2021 Taini Jamison Trophy Series |
| 2024 | Phoenix Karaka | 2024 Netball Nations Cup |
| 2024 | Kate Heffernan | 2024 Netball Nations Cup |
Sources:

## Most-capped internationals
### Centurions

| Player | Appearances | Years |
| Laura Langman | 163 | 2005–2020 |
| Maria Folau | 150 | 2005–2019 |
| Irene van Dyk | 145 | 2000–2014 |
| Katrina Rore | 137 | 2008– |
| Casey Kopua (née Williams) | 135 | 2005–2019 |
| Lesley Rumball | 110 | 1994–2005 |
| Leana de Bruin | 104 | 2003–2016 |
Sources:

### 70+ Appearances

| Player | Appearances | Years |
| Belinda Colling | 92 | 1996–2006 |
| Anna Stanley | 92 | 1994–2007 |
| Joline Henry | 91 | 2003–2014 |
| Temepara Bailey | 89 | 1996–2011 |
| Sandra Edge | 89 | 1985–1995 |
| Julie Seymour | 89 | 1994–2009 |
| Anna Harrison | 88 | 2002–2017 |
| Shannon Saunders | 85 | 2013– |
| Adine Wilson | 79 | 1999–2006 |
| Waimarama Taumaunu | 77 | 1981–1991 |
| Bernice Mene | 76 | 1992–2001 |
| Bailey Mes | 72 | 2012– |
| Lyn Gunson | 70 | 1974–1985 |

## New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame

The following New Zealand netball internationals have been inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame.
| Inducted | Player | Appearances | Years |
| 1990 | Joan Harnett | 26 | 1963–1971 |
| 1993 | Lois Muir | 13 | 1960–1964 |
| 1996 | Waimarama Taumaunu | 77 | 1981–1991 |
| 1999 | Rita Fatialofa | 45 | 1982–1989 |
| 2001 | Sandra Edge | 89 | 1985–1995 |
| 2016 | Lesley Rumball | 110 | 1994–2005 |
Sources:

## National team head coaches

The following New Zealand netball internationals subsequently served as head coach of the national team.
| Name | Player apps | Player years | Coach years |
| Dixie Cockerton | 1 | 1948 | 1960–1963 |
| Lois Muir | 13 | 1960–1964 | 1974–1988 |
| Lyn Gunson | 70 | 1974–1985 | 1989–1993 |
| Leigh Gibbs | 61 | 1978–1987 | 1994–1997 |
| Yvonne Willering | 57 | 1974–1983 | 1997–2001 |
| Ruth Aitken | 3 | 1979 | 2002–2011 |
| Waimarama Taumaunu | 77 | 1981–1991 | 2011–2015 |
| Noeline Taurua | 34 | 1994–1999 | 2018– |
Sources:

## Gold medalists
### Netball World Cup
#### 1967

The following New Zealand netball internationals were members of the squad that won the 1967 World Netball Championships. In 1996 they were also inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame.
| Player | Appearances | Years |
| Judy Blair | 19 | 1960–1967 |
| Ann Boelee | 6 | 1967 |
| Margaret Gardiner | 1 | 1967 |
| Pam Hamilton | 8 | 1967 |
| Joan Harnett | 26 | 1963–1971 |
| Billie Irwin | 7 | 1967 |
| Sandra James | 2 | 1967 |
| Elizabeth Rowley | 1 | 1967 |
| Mirth Solomon | 9 | 1963–1967 |
| Tilly Vercoe | 19 | 1967–1971 |

#### 1979

The following New Zealand netball internationals were members of the New Zealand squad that shared the gold medal at the 1979 World Netball Championships with Australia and Trinidad and Tobago.
| Player | Appearances | Years |
| Maxine Blomquist | 31 | 1974–1982 |
| Ruth Fathers | 3 | 1979 |
| Margaret Forsyth | 64 | 1979–1987 |
| Lyn Parker | 70 | 1974–1985 |
| Janice Henderson | 6 | 1979–1981 |
| Margharet Kamana | 68 | 1978–1987 |
| Geane Katae | 10 | 1979–1982 |
| Leigh Mills | 61 | 1978–1987 |
| Millie Munro | 41 | 1974–1982 |
| Christine Pietzner | 21 | 1974–1979 |
| Lynn Proudlove | 6 | 1979–1983 |
| Yvonne Willering | 57 | 1974–1983 |

#### 1987

The following New Zealand netball internationals were members of the squad that won the 1987 World Netball Championships. In 1996 they were also inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame.
| Player | Appearances | Years |
| Tracy Eyrl | 58 | 1986–1995 |
| Rita Fatialofa | 45 | 1982–1989 |
| Tracey Fear | 63 | 1982–1988 |
| Margaret Forsyth | 64 | 1979–1987 |
| Leigh Gibbs | 61 | 1978–1987 |
| Annette Heffernan | 9 | 1985–1990 |
| Sandra Mallet | 89 | 1985–1995 |
| Margharet Matenga | 68 | 1978–1987 |
| Angela Pule | 1 | 1987 |
| Joan Solia | 35 | 1986–1993 |
| Waimarama Taumaunu | 77 | 1981–1991 |
| Julie Townsend | 37 | 1985–1990 |

#### 2003

The following New Zealand netball internationals were members of the squad that won the 2003 World Netball Championships. At the 2003 Halberg Awards, the New Zealand national netball team won both the main award were named Team of the Year. Their head coach, Ruth Aitken, was named Coach of the Year and Irene van Dyk was named Sportswoman of the Year.
| Player | Appearances | Years |
| Sheryl Clarke | 62 | 1997–2009 |
| Belinda Colling | 92 | 1996–2006 |
| Tania Dalton | 12 | 1996–2007 |
| Vilimaina Davu | 60 | 2000–2006 |
| Leana du Plooy | 104 | 2003–2016 |
| Temepara George | 89 | 1996–2011 |
| Lesley Nicol | 110 | 1994–2005 |
| Anna Rowberry | 92 | 1994–2007 |
| Anna Scarlett | 88 | 2002–2017 |
| Jodi Te Huna | 61 | 2002–2015 |
| Irene van Dyk | 145 | 2000–2014 |
| Adine Wilson | 79 | 1999–2006 |

#### 2019

The following New Zealand netball internationals were members of the squad that won the 2019 Netball World Cup. At the 2019 Halberg Awards, the New Zealand national netball team won both the Halberg Award Supreme and were named Team of the Year. Winning the 2019 Netball World Cup was declared New Zealand's Favourite Sport Moment and their head coach, Noeline Taurua, was named Coach of the Year. The team was also awarded the 2019 Lonsdale Cup.
| Player | Appearances | Years |
| Maria Folau | 150 | 2005–2019 |
| Laura Langman | 163 | 2005–2020 |
| Ameliaranne Ekenasio | 47 | 2014– |
| Gina Crampton | 52 | 2016– |
| Bailey Mes | 72 | 2012– |
| Casey Kopua | 135 | 2005–2019 |
| Jane Watson | 52 | 2016– |
| Shannon Saunders | 85 | 2013– |
| Karin Burger | 33 | 2018– |
| Phoenix Karaka | 34 | 2014– |
| Katrina Rore | 137 | 2008– |
| Te Paea Selby-Rickit | 48 | 2016– |

### World Games
#### 1985

The following New Zealand netball internationals were members of the squad that won the gold medal at the 1985 World Games.
| Player | Appearances | Years |
| Rita Fatialofa | 45 | 1982–1989 |
| Tracey Fear | 63 | 1982–1988 |
| Margaret Forsyth | 64 | 1979–1987 |
| Leigh Gibbs | 61 | 1978–1987 |
| Annette Heffernan | 9 | 1985–1990 |
| Karen Henrikson | 16 | 1985–1986 |
| Sandra Mallet | 89 | 1985–1995 |
| Margharet Matenga | 68 | 1978–1987 |
| Rhonda Meads | 20 | 1982–1985 |
| Lyn Parker | 70 | 1974–1985 |
| Waimarama Taumaunu | 77 | 1981–1991 |
| Julie Townsend | 37 | 1985–1990 |

#### 1989

The following New Zealand netball internationals were members of the squad that won the gold medal at the 1989 World Games. At the 1989 Halberg Awards, the New Zealand national netball team was named Team of the Year and their head coach, Lyn Parker, was named Coach of the Year.
| Player | Appearances | Years |
| Sharon Burridge | 19 | 1988–1995 |
| Julie Carter | 50 | 1986–1993 |
| Robin Dillimore | 32 | 1989–1994 |
| Sandra Edge | 89 | 1985–1995 |
| Tracy Eyrl-Shortland | 58 | 1986–1995 |
| Rita Fatialofa | 45 | 1982–1989 |
| Annette Heffernan | 9 | 1985–1990 |
| April Ieremia | 9 | 1988–1992 |
| Ana Noovao | 23 | 1989–1992 |
| Waimarama Taumaunu | 77 | 1981–1991 |
| Julie Townsend | 37 | 1985–1990 |
| Louisa Wall | 28 | 1989–1992 |

### Commonwealth Games
#### 2006

The following New Zealand netball internationals were members of the squad that won the gold medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
| Player | Appearances | Years |
| Leana de Bruin | 104 | 2003–2016 |
| Belinda Colling | 92 | 1996–2006 |
| Vilimaina Davu | 60 | 2000–2006 |
| Temepara George | 89 | 1996–2011 |
| Laura Langman | 163 | 2005–2020 |
| Jessica Tuki | 3 | 2006 |
| Anna Rowberry | 92 | 1994–2007 |
| Anna Scarlett | 88 | 2002–2017 |
| Maria Tutaia | 150 | 2005–2019 |
| Irene van Dyk | 145 | 2000–2014 |
| Casey Williams | 135 | 2005–2019 |
| Adine Wilson | 79 | 1999–2006 |

#### 2010

The following New Zealand netball internationals were members of the squad that won the gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The team was also awarded the 2010 Lonsdale Cup.
| Player | Appearances | Years |
| Liana Leota | 41 | 2008–2015 |
| Leana de Bruin | 104 | 2003–2016 |
| Temepara George | 89 | 1996–2011 |
| Katrina Grant | 137 | 2008– |
| Joline Henry | 91 | 2003–2014 |
| Laura Langman | 163 | 2005–2020 |
| Grace Rasmussen | 63 | 2010– |
| Anna Scarlett | 88 | 2002–2017 |
| Maria Tutaia | 150 | 2005–2019 |
| Irene van Dyk | 145 | 2000–2014 |
| Casey Williams | 135 | 2005–2019 |
| Daneka Wipiiti | 18 | 2002–2011 |

## Top 25 of the Last 25

In April 2022 to celebrate twenty five years of elite netball leagues in New Zealand, a panel of former coaches and players, selected the top twenty five players that, between 1998 and 2022, had played in the National Bank Cup, the ANZ Championship and the ANZ Premiership. All twenty five were New Zealand internationals.
| Player | Appearances | Years |
| Temepara Bailey | 89 | 1996–2011 |
| Belinda Colling | 92 | 1996–2006 |
| Vilimaina Davu | 60 | 2000–2006 |
| Leana de Bruin | 104 | 2003–2016 |
| Ameliaranne Ekenasio | 47 | 2014– |
| Sulu Fitzpatrick | 27 | 2011–2023 |
| Maria Folau | 150 | 2005–2019 |
| Wendy Frew | 1 | 2008 |
| Anna Harrison | 88 | 2002–2017 |
| Joline Johansson | 91 | 2003–2014 |
| Casey Kopua | 135 | 2005–2019 |
| Laura Langman | 163 | 2005–2020 |
| Bernice Mene | 76 | 1992–2001 |
| Katrina Rore | 137 | 2008– |
| Lesley Rumball | 110 | 1994–2005 |
| Sheryl Scanlan | 62 | 1997–2009 |
| Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit | 2 | 2013 |
| Julie Seymour | 89 | 1994–2009 |
| Anna Stanley | 92 | 1994–2007 |
| Cathrine Tuivaiti | 24 | 2011–2014 |
| Linda Vagana | 64 | 1993–2002 |
| Irene van Dyk | 145 | 2000–2014 |
| Jane Watson | 52 | 2016– |
| Donna Wilkins | 56 | 1996–2002 |
| Adine Wilson | 79 | 1999–2006 |
Sources:

## New Zealand Netball Awards
### Netball New Zealand 75th Anniversary Dream Team

In June 2000, as part of their 75th anniversary celebration's, Netball New Zealand named a New Zealand Dream Team.

#### Starting Seven

| Position | Player | Appearances | Years |
| GS | Margharet Matenga | 1 | 1938 |
| GA | Joan Harnett | 26 | 1963–1971 |
| WA | Rita Fatialofa | 45 | 1982–1989 |
| C | Sandra Edge | 89 | 1985–1995 |
| WD | Lyn Gunson | 70 | 1974–1985 |
| GD | Yvonne Willering | 57 | 1974–1983 |
| GK | Tracey Fear | 63 | 1982–1988 |

#### Bench

| Position | Player | Appearances | Years |
| GA, GS, WA | Judy Blair | 19 | 1960–1967 |
| GA | Margaret Forsyth | 64 | 1979–1987 |
| WD | Leigh Gibbs | 61 | 1978–1987 |
| WA, C, WD | Shirley Langrope | 19 | 1969–1975 |
| GK | Bernice Mene | 76 | 1992–2001 |
Source:

### Dame Lois Muir Supreme Award

The Dame Lois Muir Supreme Award recognises the best New Zealand netball internationals across all elite competitions and international campaigns. The award is named after Dame Lois Muir DNZM OBE. It is regarded as the highest individual accolade a New Zealand netballer can achieve.
| Year | Winner |
| 2015 | Laura Langman |
| 2016 | Laura Langman |
| 2019 | Laura Langman |
| 2021 | Sulu Fitzpatrick |
| 2022 | Grace Nweke |
| 2022 | Kelly Jury |

#### Notes

* ^1 Grace Nweke and Kelly Jury shared 2022 award.
Sources:

### Silver Ferns Player of the Year

The Silver Ferns Player of the Year is awarded to the New Zealand netball international player who has displayed consistent, outstanding performances throughout the international season.
| Year | Winner |
| 2015 | Laura Langman |
| 2016 | Laura Langman |
| 2019 | Ameliaranne Ekenasio |
| 2021 | Samantha Winders |
| 2022 | Grace Nweke |

## Dual internationals
### Netball

The following New Zealand netball internationals also represented other national teams in international netball.
| Player | NZ Appearances | Years | Other team | Appearances | Years |
| Leana de Bruin | 104 | 2003–2016 | South Africa | 34 | ?? |
| Vilimaina Davu | 60 | 2000–2006 | Fiji | 57? | 1993–1999, 2007 |
| Irene van Dyk | 145 | 2000–2014 | South Africa | 72 | 1994–2000 |
| Ameliaranne Ekenasio | 53 | 2014– | Australia | | 2010–2011 |
| Kristiana Manu'a | | 2022 | Australia | 2 | 2016 |
| Lynne Macdonald | 2 | 1969 | England | | 1975 ? |
| Jamie-Lee Price | | 2014 | Australia | 30 | 2018– |
| Rachel Rasmussen | | 2010 | Samoa | | 2003, 2019 |
| Leilani Read | 9 | 1993–1996 | Samoa | | 1995 |
| Sheryl Clarke | 62 | 1997–2009 | Samoa | 10 | 1996–1999 |
| Courtney Tairi | 3 | 2013 | Australia | | 2008–2009 |
| Cathrine Tuivaiti | 24 | 2011–2014 | Samoa | 30 | 2005–2007 |
| Lorna Suafoa | 10 | 1998–1999 | Samoa | | |
| Linda Vagana | 64 | 1993–2002 | Samoa | | 2003 |

#### Notes

* ^2 Ameliaranne Ekenasio represented Australia at under-19 and under-21 levels.
* ^3 Kristiana Manu'a represented New Zealand at the 2022 Fast5 Netball World Series.
* ^4 Jamie-Lee Price represented New Zealand at secondary school level and under-21 levels and at the 2014 Fast5 Netball World Series.
* ^5 Rachel Rasmussen represented New Zealand at the 2010 World Netball Series.
* ^6 Courtney Tairi represented Australia at under-21 level.

### Netball and Basketball

The following New Zealand netball internationals also played for the New Zealand women's national basketball team.
| Player | Netball Apps | Years | Basketball Apps | Years |
| Sheryl Burns | 8 | 1992–1993 | | 1985–1991, 1995 |
| Belinda Colling | 92 | 1996–2006 | | 2000 |
| Lynne Macdonald | 2 | 1969 | | |
| Lois Muir | 13 | 1960–1964 | | 1952–1962 |
| Jessica Tuki | 3 | 2006 | | 2014 |
| Donna Wilkins | 56 | 1996–2002 | 95 | 2000–2006 |
| Maia Wilson | 36 | 2016– | | 2014 |

## Family
### Sisters

| Sister 1 | Apps | Years | Sister 2 | Apps | Years |
| Maxine Blomquist | 31 | 1974–1982 | Annette Heffernan | 9 | 1985–1990 |
| Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit | 2 | 2013 | Te Paea Selby-Rickit | 48 | 2016– |
| Kate Heffernan | 34 | 2022– | Georgia Heffernan | 3 | 2024– |
Sources:

### Mothers and daughters

| Mother | Apps | Years | Daughter | Apps | Years |
| Judy Blair | 19 | 1960–1967 | Belinda Charteris | 53 | 1994–2002 |
| Brenda Rowberry | 12 | 1969–1971 | Anna Stanley | 92 | 1994–2007 |
| Annette Heffernan | 9 | 1985–1990 | Kate Heffernan | 34 | 2022– |
| Waimarama Taumaunu | 77 | 1981–1991 | Tiana Metuarau | 6 | 2021– |
| Annette Heffernan | 9 | 1985–1990 | Georgia Heffernan | 3 | 2024– |