13 Jul 2016

Lancaster returning to rugby

1:58 pm on 13 July 2016

Netball New Zealand's High Performance manager Steve Lancaster has quit to take up a new role at NZ Rugby.

Steve Lancaster of Netball New Zealand is confident top domestic players won't be lured overseas.

Steve Lancaster of Netball New Zealand is confident top domestic players won't be lured overseas. Photo: Photosport

Lancaster, who joined Netball New Zealand in 2014, will finish in early October and will take up the role of Head of Provincial Union Rugby at NZR.

The former Crusaders lock was instrumental in the review and development of the new Netball New Zealand High Performance strategy and establishment of the competition model to replace the ANZ Championship.

He was part of the Silver Ferns Netball World Cup SYDNEY 2105 campaign where they won silver and also led the appointment of new Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby and assistant coach Yvette McCausland-Durie.

Lancaster said it had been a huge privilege to lead the High Performance team at Netball New Zealand over the past few years.

"I would like to acknowledge the team who I have worked with, the incredibly dedicated and hard-working staff and Board at Netball New Zealand, the Zones and Centres," Lancaster said.

"It has been an amazing experience over the past couple of years and I am most grateful for the way the Netball community has responded through this time.

"I know the sport in is in great heart and I am excited about following the future success of Netball and the Silver Ferns.

"Whilst I have really enjoyed my time with Netball New Zealand, I am excited to return to rugby which has always been such a large part of my life."

NNZ Board chair John Bongard said Lancaster had added significant value to NNZ through his development of the high performance system, and what he has added to both the national and the Zone programmes.

"We will miss Steve but wish him the very best in his new role with Rugby and we are glad New Zealand sport will continue to benefit from his expertise,'' Bongard said.