Australian Julie Fitzgerald has ended a three-year term with the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic as she returns to coach the new Netball NSW team.
Fitzgerald, who took over as coach of the Magic in 2014, admitted she didn't think a return to coaching in Australia was likely for her.
"I never dreamt that I would get to coach in Australia again and just to be able to start a new club with a new culture and everything new is a very exciting prospect," Fitzgerald said.
"I had a wonderful three years in New Zealand and I've loved every minute of it but the thought of going home and being in Sydney again is very exciting for me."
The veteran coach, who has signed a three-year deal with the new franchise, said her immediate priorities are to build a successful club and ideally wants to recruit her 10-strong team from the NSW area.
"She leaves us with our best wishes and we thank her family whole-heartedly for allowing us to have her for as long we did - she will always be part of the Magic family," said Netball Waikato Bay of Plenty chief executive Tim Hamilton.
"It was been a real privilege to work with Julie these past three years."
The news is another blow to New Zealand netball after the demise of the trans-Tasman championship, with Fitzgerald joining former Southern Steel coach Noeline Taurua in moving to Australia.
Taurua announced yesterday she was leaving to link up with the new Sunshine Coast side.
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