17 Aug 2016

Grant to captain Silver Ferns

10:06 am on 17 August 2016

Katrina Grant will become the 26th player to captain the New Zealand netball team, with Laura Langman named vice-captain for the upcoming quad series against South Africa, England and Australia.

Katrina Grant.

Silver Ferns' captain Katrina Grant. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Grant and Langman will lead a new-look Silver Ferns team that features three debutants; Storm Purvis, Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Maia Wilson.

Veteran shooter Catherine Latu was hoping for a recall but she has again been overlooked.

It looks like her Silver Ferns career is now over.

Grant says it's a privilege to captain the side.

"Every time I play for my country it is an absolute honour, and to now be given the opportunity to lead the Silver Ferns as their captain alongside Laura - I'm still a little lost for words," Grant said.

"It is an amazing feeling and one I'm not sure will sink in until we stand arm-in-arm for the first Test to sing the national anthem."

Coach Janine Southby says Grant and Langman will be an excellent leadership team for the Silver Ferns.

"It is exciting to be able to name Katrina as captain and Laura as vice-captain. Their immense leadership, years of experience, respect for the Black Dress and the regard they are held in by their peers is a tribute to the type of people they are," Southby said.

"There is an experienced core in this Silver Ferns team and a number of new faces who will continue to build and shape the team as we head towards the 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2019 Netball World Cup in Liverpool.

The Silver Ferns will open their 2016 international season against world number three England on Saturday August 27 at Vector Arena, Auckland.

Silver Ferns team for Netball Quad Series

Kayla Cullen

Ameliaranne Ekenasio (nee Wells)

Shannon Francois

Katrina Grant (captain)

Anna Harrison

Phoenix Karaka

Laura Langman (vice-captain)

Bailey Mes

Storm Purvis

Grace Rasmussen

Te Paea Selby-Rickit

Maia Wilson

Phoenix Karaka

Te Paea Selby-Rickit

Maia Wilson

-RNZ