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Sport Nation
FWC on Sport Nation guideSilver Ferns squad confirmed for Glasgow Commonwealth Games
Sport Nation • June 17th, 2026 10:18 am
Grace Nweke | Photo: Photosport
The New Zealand Olympic Committee today confirmed the 12-strong Silver Ferns squad for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, backing a blend of experience and emerging talent for the campaign in Scotland.
Captain Karin Burger and vice-captain Kate Heffernan will lead a side that includes nine Commonwealth Games debutants.
Five of the eight New Zealanders currently playing in Australia's Super Netball competition earned selection - Grace Nweke (NSW Swifts), Kate Heffernan (Adelaide Thunderbirds), Karin Burger (Sunshine Coast Lightning), Kelly Jackson and Maddy Gordon (Queensland Firebirds). Te Paea Selby-Rickit (Queensland Firebirds) earned selection as a non-travelling reserve.
Parris Mason has been named as the travelling reserve, while Kate Burley, Aliyah Dunn, Tayla Earle, and Elisapeta Toeava join Selby-Rickit in being selected as non-travelling reserves.
Taurua said the squad had the right balance of players to compete immediately while also building towards a strong future.
"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.”
With New Zealand facing hosts Scotland in the opening match of the tournament, Taurua said continuity within the group would be crucial.
“Many of these players are also familiar with our court systems, processes and routines," she added. "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.
Planning for Glasgow has been underway for several years.
“The Commonwealth Games, alongside the 2027 Netball World Cup, is a pinnacle event and a key milestone within our four year cycle.” Taurua said.
“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 Silver Ferns will assemble for a three-day training camp in New Zealand before travelling to Manchester for a pre-Games camp ahead of Glasgow.
New Zealand opens its Commonwealth Games campaign against Scotland on July 25.
Silver Ferns Commonwealth Games Squad
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.
