The Silver Ferns Shocker: 7 Explosive Updates On New Zealand Netball's Revamped 2025/2026 Season

The New Zealand Silver Ferns, the national netball team, are navigating one of the most tumultuous and exciting periods in their recent history as they head into the 2025/2026 season. As of December 2025, the team has confirmed a dramatic resolution to a high-profile coaching saga, announced a significantly revamped squad featuring a new-look shooting circle, and locked in a demanding international test schedule that will test their mettle against their fiercest rivals. This article dives into the essential, cutting-edge updates you need to know about the two-time Netball World Cup champions.

The Silver Ferns finished the 2025 season on a high, securing a series-deciding 55-49 victory against the England Roses, a win that provided a much-needed boost after what Netball New Zealand (NNZ) described as a 'difficult' season. However, the focus now shifts entirely to the future, with a new squad structure and the complex reality of their coaching leadership defining the narrative for the upcoming international calendar.

Key Players and Leadership: The 2025/2026 Silver Ferns Squad and Coaching Status

The 2025/2026 Silver Ferns Squad announcement by Netball New Zealand signals a clear shift towards injecting new talent and energy into the team, particularly in the attacking end. The selection process itself was subject to a major review, with NNZ updating its eligibility criteria to allow New Zealand internationals playing in Australia's Super Netball to be considered, a move that has already seen players like Kelly Jackson and Whitney Souness make an impact in the Australian league.

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The Revamped Squad: Core and New Faces

The new squad features a mix of seasoned veterans and exciting new prospects. The most significant inclusion is the return of star shooter Grace Nweke, who is expected to anchor the new-look shooting circle. Her reunion with former Mystics teammate Peta Toeava will be a major focal point for the team’s offensive strategy.

• Star Shooter Return: Grace Nweke (Expected to lead the attack after a period of absence).
• Key Midcourt Link: Peta Toeava (A creative force, reuniting with Nweke).
• Seasoned Defenders: Players like Kelly Jury are expected to maintain their crucial defensive roles.
• Notable Absences: Several high-profile players were unavailable for the 2025 international season, including Maia Wilson, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Tiana Metuarau, and veteran defender Jane Watson.
• Pacific Talent: The squad proudly features five Pasifika netballers, highlighting the depth of talent emerging from the Pacific community.

The Dame Noeline Taurua Coaching Saga Explained

The leadership structure has been the subject of the most intense scrutiny. The high-performance environment was rocked by a 'coaching saga' that saw highly regarded Head Coach Dame Noeline Taurua unexpectedly stood down by Netball New Zealand.

• The Stand-Down: The suspension of Dame Noeline and her coaching team was a "difficult decision" for NNZ, stemming from a high-performance review that revealed a "sense of fear" within the team environment.
• The Reinstatement: Following a period of mediation and review, Dame Noeline Taurua was reinstated, with Netball NZ expressing "full confidence" in her ongoing leadership. The resolution included an agreement to implement "enhancements to support wellbeing and performance," specifically strengthening the player voice.
• The Twist: Despite the official reinstatement, Dame Noeline Taurua was confirmed to remain stood down for the remainder of the 2025 international season, including the crucial Constellation Cup. This means the Silver Ferns will be led by an interim coaching arrangement for their biggest rivalry series, adding an unpredictable element to their 2025 campaign.

The 2025/2026 International Test Schedule: Rivalries and Road Trips

The Silver Ferns’ 2025 international test schedule is packed with high-stakes encounters, providing the new-look squad with immediate opportunities to prove their cohesion and skill on the world stage. Their current World Netball ranking of 2nd means they are consistently targeted by every opponent, demanding peak performance in every match.

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The Constellation Cup Showdown

The biggest fixture on the calendar is, as always, the Constellation Cup against the arch-rival Origin Australian Diamonds. The 15th edition of this highly anticipated series is scheduled for October 2025. This four-match series is the ultimate test of Trans-Tasman netball dominance and will be particularly significant this year given the coaching uncertainty in the Silver Ferns camp. The first two matches will be hosted in Australia, with the final two returning to New Zealand soil.

Hosting Major Series

Netball New Zealand has confirmed the Silver Ferns will host two major series in New Zealand, providing fans with a chance to see the refreshed squad in action. These home series are crucial for building team momentum and confidence.

• Taini Jamison Trophy: The team will compete for the Taini Jamison Trophy, with the opponent and exact dates to be confirmed, but selection for this series is slated for early September.
• South Africa Series: A major series against the South Africa Proteas is also confirmed to be hosted in New Zealand.

The European Challenge

The Ferns will also embark on a road trip to the UK, where they will face the Scotland Thistles in a two-Test series. This marks the Silver Ferns’ first appearance in Scotland since the build-up to a previous major tournament, offering valuable exposure to different playing styles and conditions.

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The Impact of Eligibility Changes and Future Outlook

A significant factor shaping the 2025/2026 squad is the relaxation of the Silver Ferns' eligibility criteria. Historically, players based in the Australian Super Netball league faced restrictions, but the updated policy allows for a more comprehensive selection pool. This change is a direct response to the increasing standard of the Australian league and ensures the Silver Ferns can select the absolute best New Zealand talent globally.

This policy shift has already seen players like Kelly Jackson and Whitney Souness secure spots in Super Netball squads, enhancing their competitive experience before being considered for the national team. The ability to select from a wider, more experienced pool is expected to be a major advantage for the Silver Ferns as they look ahead to major tournaments like the Commonwealth Games and the next Netball World Cup cycle.

The Silver Ferns are currently in a fascinating transitional phase. The combination of a resolved—yet complex—coaching situation, the injection of world-class talent like Grace Nweke, and a demanding international schedule sets the stage for a compelling 2025/2026 season. The focus will be on the interim leadership to maintain performance during the Constellation Cup while ensuring the new squad members gel quickly. Their success will depend on how effectively they manage these internal and external pressures, solidifying their position as a dominant force in world netball.