World Cup-winning coach Noeline Taurua has agreed to re-apply for her job as Netball New Zealand considers a change of direction.
On Thursday, NNZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie made the shock announcement to open up the Silver Ferns coaching role.
Taurua, who has led the national team since 2018, says she will be a candidate, with no qualms about having to re-apply.
“It is a privilege to coach the Silver Ferns and as I have always maintained and believe, I am a guardian of the role. It’s not mine to own,” she said in a statement.
“I talk to players about accountability and taking ownership of doing your job.
“It is important to me, that my integrity is upheld, our sport does what’s right and we back the process to ensure the best candidate prevails.”
Taurua was a two-time Super Netball championship coach with the Sunshine Coast Lightning before taking on the Silver Ferns role.
The Kiwis defeated Australia 52-51 in the 2019 World Cup final – for just their second triumph in 40 years – and in 2021 won the Constellation Cup off Australia for the first time in a decade.
However, results at major tournaments have dropped off since with New Zealand claiming bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and fourth at last year’s World Cup.
Wyllie said discussions after these tournaments, including with Taurua, resolved to open up the head coach position.
“This is the beginning of another four-year cycle, and it is imperative for our sport that we are transparent in our search for the best person to guide the Silver Ferns in coming years,” she said.
An appointment is expected in April, ahead of the Silver Ferns’ return to competition in September.