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Sport Nation
Grace Nweke set for Silver Ferns return as Netball NZ opens door for overseas players
Kieran Bingham • July 21st, 2025 5:52 pm
Photo: Photosport
Grace Nweke should be back in the Silver Ferns black dress this year, after Netball NZ's about face on international player eligibility.
The netball body has rolled out updated criteria ahead of the upcoming international season with South Africa and Australia, drawing up clear guidelines and robust assessment measures for exemption applications.
Ever since Nweke signed with the NSW Swifts almost a year ago for this season's Suncorp Super Netball league, the New Zealand public have been demanding change to the previous rule prohibiting Kiwis playing outside New Zealand from being selected for the Silver Ferns.
The flexibility of this new exemption policy means that our top-tier ANZ Premiership players can now face the world’s best week in, week out, wherever in the world they play.
The ANZ Premiership’s future is still uncertain, although Netball NZ has confirmed the competition will go ahead in 2026 as a six-team league with 10 rounds.
The lingering uncertainty about the league’s structure, combined with players already weighing up contracts in Australia, means we could see top-tier local players heading overseas as early as next season.
That makes the exemption policy even more timely for players at a crossroads in their careers.
While this policy shift could leave us wondering about the return of Nweke for this year's Taini Jamison Seriesor Constellation Cup, it also signals an exciting future for up-and-coming Kiwi talent.
With established players potentially taking opportunities abroad, we’ll have more room to invest in the next generation.
This not only creates pathways for younger athletes but could also enhance the depth of talent at the international level, with more full contracts up for grabs in the Premiership.
In short, this is a critical moment for both the Silver Ferns and the future of netball in New Zealand - balancing global growth with local development, all while keeping the best interests of our players and competitions at heart.
Tune in to Sport Nation for live commentary of the ANZ Premiership Grand Final between the Mystics and Tactix on Sport Nation from 4pm, Sunday
