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Sport Nation
EXCLUSIVE: Dame Noeline Taurua stood down by Netball NZ after player boycott
Alex Chapman • September 10th, 2025 4:38 pm
Dame Noeline Taurua has been stood down as Silver Ferns head coach for the upcoming Taini Jamison Series against South Africa and may be dumped from her job permanently after a player boycott.
Sources have indicated that players have refused to play for the Silver Ferns while Dame Noeline remains in the role due to her “old school approaches”.
Sport Nation understands high-level discussions are being held within Netball New Zealand to remove the long-time coach. Former Pulse coach Yvette McCausland-Durie has been appointed as interim coach for the three Tests against the Proteas.
The team was due to assemble in camp this week but it’s understood that and the naming of the squad, has been delayed due to meetings within Netball NZ.
In a statement, NNZ says: "Netball NZ can confirm that Dame Noeline Taurua will not be the Silver Ferns coach for the upcoming Taini Jamison Series against South Africa.
"Discussions are ongoing between Netball NZ, Dame Noeline and the Silver Ferns management team concerning proposed changes to the Silver Ferns High Performance programme and environment.
"However, we have been unable to resolve issues to everyone’s satisfaction in the time available before the Taini Jamison Series. In these circumstances, Netball NZ have decided to stand Dame Noeline down for the upcoming Taini Jamison Series."
Netball NZ board chair Matt Whineray adds: "We have a long relationship with Dame Noeline and her record with successive Silver Ferns teams speaks for itself.
"At this time, however, we need to focus on supporting players on the immediate challenge of playing South Africa.
"As of today, we have appointed Yvette McCausland-Durie as Taini Jamison Series coach of the Silver Ferns, supported by Liana Leota as assistant coach."
It’s understood that as many as five high-profile players had previously refused to play for New Zealand while Taurua remains in charge, making themselves unavailable for selection.
As one source said “don’t be surprised if some all of a sudden decide they want to play ANZ Premiership next year.”
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The stand-off comes less than two weeks out from the start of the Taini Jamison trophy, which could result the series either being cancelled or a less-experienced Silver Ferns side run out.
Beginning on September 21, New Zealand are scheduled to play three Tests against the Proteas, with four Constellation Cup Tests starting October 17.
However, sources have voiced concern that the removal of Taurua, given she’s part of High Performance Sport New Zealand's board of directors, could affect Netball NZ’s funding.
NNZ is set to receive $2.2 million for the 2025-28 funding cycle, down $138,000 from the 22-24 period.
Last April, Taurua was reappointed on a two-year contract after going through the process of reapplying and interviewing for the head coach position, with NNZ opening the role when her contract expired in January. That doesn’t cover the period through to the 2027 World Cup.
Taurua’s renowned for her stunning turnaround of the Silver Ferns, going from failing to medal at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games to winning the 2019 World Cup, before their worst ever performance at the 2023 tournament, where they finished fourth.
