Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Dame Noeline Taurua with the Constellation Cup
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Silver Ferns will defend their Constellation Cup title when they meet the Diamonds in four Tests.
The rivalry resumes with Silver Ferns first trip to Australia since late 2019, playing in Brisbane on 13 October and in Cairns four days later.
The Constellation Cup then moves to New Zealand where the two teams go head-to-head in Auckland on 21 October and in Wellington on 24 October.
Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennie Wyllie said there was plenty of world class netball to look forward to after such a disrupted international calendar last year.
Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Dame Noeline Taurua with the Constellation Cup 2021.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The two-time defending champions Central Pulse will be without their captain for the start of the national netball premiership this weekend.
In a post on Instagram last month, Ekenasio said she had been struggling mentally and was seeing a therapist.
Ekenasio missed last month s pre-season tournament in Ōtaki to freshen up following the Silver Ferns Constellation Cup victory in which she played a huge part.
Pulse chief executive Fran Scholey confirmed today that she remained on extended medical leave as a result of fatigue.
Dame Noeline said it had not come as a surprise.
Ameliaranne Ekanasio and Dame Noeline Taurua
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Dame Noeline said winning the elusive cup was massive but the celebrations won t linger. They ve been amazing games and I think we ve all ridden the ups and downs of the whole week …it s good to seal that one, put it in the trophy [cabinet] and move on.
Dame Noeline said she got a lot of intel from the series and was happy to get all 14 squad members out on court. So I sort of know what the players play like under the world number one and also I think it s just a progression as we lead into the Commonwealth Games and also the worlds so I m elated.