4 Jul 2017

Netball NZ plays down impact of Langman move

5:08 pm on 4 July 2017

Netball New Zealand is playing down the impact Laura Langman's decision to turn her back on the Silver Ferns will have on other players heading overseas.

Langman's decision to play for the Sunshine Coast Lightning in the domestic Australian competition made her ineligible for the Silver Ferns this year.

The 143-Test veteran has decided to stay with the Lighting for next year too, ruling her out of the Commonwealth Games.

Laura Langman won't be playing for the Silver Ferns again in 2018

Laura Langman won't be playing for the Silver Ferns again in 2018 Photo: Photosport

The acting chief executive of Netball New Zealand David Cooper says they're currently in the process of signing players for the 2018 season.

David Cooper acting CEO Netball New Zealand

David Cooper, acting Netball New Zealand chief executive. Photo: Supplied

"Other players will make their decisions on the position that they're in at the time and Laura certainly understood the decision that she was making so our position is around the protection of our system and making sure that our system is as good as it can be for the Silver Ferns to be the best team that they can possibly be," he said.

Cooper said Langman's decision won't force a review of the eligibility rule as the Netball New Zealand board has been clear on its stance.

"Netball New Zealand have been very clear right from the outset and I totally respect that. I'm well aware I'm a very very small cog in a very big wheel and Netball New Zealand's responsibility is to do what is best for netball in New Zealand and also the Silver Ferns and sometimes you make decision in life that you don't get closure on and you've just got to move on," said Langman.

Maria Tutaia's return to the Silver Ferns wasn't enough to help them overcome Australia.

Netball New Zealand is in the process of trying to re-sign players for 2018 including the likes of Maria Tutaia. Photo: Photosport

Langman isn't ruling out a possible return to New Zealnad in 2019 simply saying she "wouldn't close the door on it."

Asked if she would consider playing for Australia now that eligibility rules there have been relaxed, she didn't dismiss it but said, "I think they have their mid court pretty covered so I'm not sure it would ever become a reality."

Laura Langman has decided to remain with the Sunshine Coast Lightning netball side ruling her out of the Commonwealth Games.

Laura Langman has decided to remain with the Sunshine Coast Lightning netball side ruling her out of the Commonwealth Games. Photo: Supplied

-RNZ