Strong Silver Ferns squad for Glasgow 2026

Carys Stythe looks to get a pass away for the Steel has been selectef for the Silver Ferns Commonwealth Games team PHOTO: SOUTHERN STEEL

An experienced 12-strong Silver Ferns netball squads have been named to represent the New Zealand Team at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The team represents Dame Noeline Taurua's first time in charge of the side for around 18 months also has Steel defender Carys Stythe in ahead of veteran Phoenix Karaka.

For Stythe who turns 24 this month it will be her first Commonwealth Games after debuting for the side in 2025

Defender Kelly Jackson brings the most Commonwealth Games experience to the group, as she returns for a third Games campaign, while shooter Grace Nweke and midcourter Kate Heffernan are both attending their second Commonwealth Games.

Nine players, a mix of experience and rising talent, will be making their Games debuts at Glasgow 2026, with the side captained by Karin Burger, alongside Kate Heffernan who is Vice-Captain.

Taurua, who will guide the national side for the second time at a Commonwealth Games, is excited by the mix of talent in the team.

"When you look at the make-up of the squad, we have a great balance of players who will be around for many more pinnacle events, as well as more mature players who are in the prime of their careers and delivering amazing performances,’’ said Taurua.

“This is an exciting team who showed what it is capable of last year. There is resilience, grit and genuine hunger within this group.”

“Many of these players are also familiar with our court systems, processes and routines. With a short runway between assembling as a team and our opening match against Scotland.

Continuity and familiarity is a real asset. In a campaign where every training session counts, this team allows us to spend less time learning and more time refining, connecting and performing,” she said.

Dame Noeline said they have been planning for this campaign for a number of years.

“The Commonwealth Games, alongside the 2027 Netball World Cup, is a pinnacle event and a key milestone within our four year cycle.”

“We know it’s going to be a huge challenge, but it’s one we’re excited about. To represent New Zealand at an iconic event such as the Commonwealth Games, and to be part of a wider New Zealand Team alongside athletes from a range of sports, is a privilege. We are ready to embrace the challenge, enjoy the experience and grab the opportunity with both hands”.

The team will assemble for a three-day training camp in New Zealand in early July after the domestic season concludes before heading to Manchester for a pre-Games camp ahead of arriving in Glasgow.

New Zealand are set to play the opening game of the Games against hosts Scotland on July 25.

NZ Team – Netball | Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games:

Shooters: Georgia Heffernan, Grace Nweke, Martina Salmon, Amelia Walmsley.

Midcourt: Madeline Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Kimiora Poi*, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan.

Defence: Karin Burger, Catherine Hall*, Kelly Jackson, Carys Stythe.

*subject to medical clearance

Travelling reserve: Parris Mason

Non-travelling reserves: Kate Burley, Aliyah Dunn, Tayla Earle, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Elisapeta Toeava.