Centurions honoured at 2016 New Zealand Netball Awards

Of the 164 women who have represented the Silver Ferns, a select band of six has gone on to achieve 100 Test Caps.

Silver Ferns centurions Lesley Rumball, Irene van Dyk, Laura Langman, Maria Tutaia, Leana de Bruin and Casey Kopua were honoured at the recent New Zealand Netball Awards for their remarkable longevity in reaching the 100 mark.

Former captain, Rumball, Silver Fern No 107, was the first centurion and went on to achieve 110 Test Caps.

Rumball was widely admired for her ability to play international Netball while also completing degrees in physiotherapy and medicine. Now practising medicine, the mother of three has since watched the game evolve.

``Fundamentally, it is still the same game, there’s still the wonderful people, the amazing volunteers, the great supporters and the passionate players but on the other side, when you look at Fast5, that’s one of the most exciting experiences I’ve seen for a long time,’’ she said.

``It is taking Netball to another level….players are now stronger, taller and the game is faster.’’

Playing well into her 40s, super shooter van Dyk left a lasting legacy on Netball. She became the face of the sport during a glittering career in which she notched 145 Test Caps as Silver Fern No 122.

She has a staggering 217 Test Caps in total after accumulating 72 for her native South Africa before emigrating to New Zealand.

Silver Fern No 133, midcourt dynamo Laura Langman has fashioned an enviable record and one that could well stand the test of time after completing a remarkable 141 consecutive Tests since making her debut as a teenager in 2005. Ever the competitor, little has changed for Langman in that time.

``I absolutely still get nervous,’’ she said. ``There’s no day like game day, it’s the best day of the week.’’

Elegant shooter Maria Tutaia, Silver Fern No 134, became the fourth centurion during last year’s Netball World Cup and currently sits on 104 Test Caps.

``It’s an absolute honour to get this far,’’ she said. ``Very few women get to experience what we do, so I consider the opportunities I’ve had as one in a million.’’

Going on to forge a stellar career, willowy defender Leana de Bruin, Silver Fern No 129, also notched her 100^th cap at Netball World Cup.  De Bruin retired from international Netball with a 138 Test Caps, 104 for the Silver Ferns and 34 for South Africa.

Inspirational former Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua is the most recent centurion, achieving the milestone when leading the Silver Ferns to a memorable come-from-behind win during last year’s Constellation Cup series. She has 101 Test Caps.

Relive every moment, including the interviews with all the winners and the stunning pics from the Red Carpet, presented by Woman’s Day – click here