Silver Ferns netball captain Laura Langman has confirmed she will return to the Sunshine Coast Lightning for the 2020 Australian Super Netball league.
The midcourt star, who led New Zealand to World Cup glory in July, has flirted with retirement from the sport, taking a hiatus during 2018, but lured back to the national team by NZ coach Noeline Taurua.
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Langman, 33, helped the Lightning to the Aussie title in their inaugural season and returned this year to guide them to their third straight final, losing to a New South Wales Swifts side that included Ferns teammate Katrina Rore.
"It's really special to play alongisde this group of women and I feel honoured to be able to represent Lightning again next year," she says. "2019 has left a fire in the belly and I'm excited for what next season has in store."
Langman's return means the team retains 10 players from last season's campaign, with new coach Kylee Byrne replacing Taurua at the helm.
"The form that Laura was in this year - and especially post-World Cup - was some of the best of her career," says Byrne. "She is so important to this club and to be able to go around again with her is special.
"There is certainly a feeling of unfinished business within this group, so to retain them all is so exciting for 2020."
Langman will lead New Zealand against Australia in this month's Constellation Cup series, starting on Sunday.
Join us at 4pm Sunday for live updates of the Silver Ferns v Australian Constellation Cup test.
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