Silver Ferns shooter Grace Nweke has signed for the New South Wales Swifts next year, ruling herself out of contention for the national side.
A Netball New Zealand statement this afternoon said Nweke would still be eligible for the 2024 international season after having played for the Mystics in this calendar year.
NNZ Board chair Matt Whineray said the board respected Nweke's decision.
“We understand this has been a very difficult decision for Grace to make, and one that she has not taken lightly. As someone who is a future leader within the Silver Ferns, Grace has expressed to us her desire to continue to grow both on and off the court and be the best Silver Fern she can be,” Whineray said.
“We look forward to seeing Grace back in time for the Commonwealth Games and 2027 Netball World Cup.”
Mystics player Nweke, 22, said she understood the sacrifice that she was making, and thanked NNZ for the respect that had been shown her.
“To me the most important thing is to maintain strong and healthy relationships and to me that is always about communication," she said.
"I will now focus on the upcoming Silver Ferns season and give my all to the black dress, understanding that I will also need to fight for my position back in the side when the time comes and I am once again available for the Silver Ferns."
The 1.92m tall Nweke is a key attacking weapon for the Silver Ferns. She helped the team to a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games after making her debut for the national side the year before.
SHARE ME