Taumaunu joins illustrious group

On Tuesday night Waimarama Taumaunu joined illustrious company, becoming only the fourth coach to lead the Silver Ferns in 50 Test Matches.

Ruth Aitken (112 Tests), Dame Lois Muir (107), Yvonne Willering (51) are all names that are synonymous with Netball coaching in New Zealand, and now Taumaunu finds her name on the same honour board.

Not one to focus on individual milestones, Taumaunu said she was surprised to hear it was her 50th.

“It’s an achievement that I’m proud of, but more than that, it’s a real privilege to join such a select group,” Taumaunu said.

“I was fortunate to be coached by Dame Lois, I was an assistant coach with Ruth, and I played in the same team as Yvonne – to now join them in coaching 50 Tests is something I’m proud of and I’m sure I’ll reflect more on once this series is over.”

Taumaunu became the Silver Ferns ninth coach when she took over the reins at the end of 2011, following two stints as an assistant coach.

The New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup will be her last after announcing in September that she would not seek reappointment.

Looking back on her tenure – as both coach and assistant coach, she singles out the 2011 Commonwealth Games Gold Medal Match in Delhi as one she will always remember.

“That was an historic match; the longest Netball game in history and one that people still talk about,” Taumaunu said.

“To win a Commonwealth gold medal in double extra-time – it’s a match I’ll never forget.”

The Silver Ferns will be back in action on Thursday night against the Australian Diamonds in the second Test of the Constellation Cup at Vector Arena, Auckland – GET TICKETS.

VOTE – SKY Sport Moment of the Year