No nonsense defender Leana de Bruin fashioned a stellar career after making New Zealand her home in 2000.

A player who got better with age, the in-circle defender began her international career in South Africa where she played in 34 Tests for her country of birth.

Once cemented in the Silver Ferns, there was no stopping the hard-working defender who led by example with her consistently strong performances.

Able to play both in-circle defensive positions with equal authority, the willowy de Bruin delivered on all fronts, backing up her tight and effective circle presence with strong through-court drives and support play.

Naturally athletic, de Bruin’s mobility, strength in the air, long reach and uncompromising attitude were the perfect assets for a top line defender.

De Bruin thrived with age and responsibility to become a fine on-court leader. She notched a significant personal milestone at Netball World Cup SYDNEY 2015 when becoming the fifth Silver Fern to achieve 100 Test Caps.

De Bruin is one of a select group to have played in five Netball World Cups – 1999 (for South Africa) and 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 (for the Silver Ferns). She has also played in the 2006, 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games.