Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio announces unavailability for 2025 season
Tuesday, 22 July 2025
Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio has confirmed she will be making herself unavailable for the 2025 international netball season, stepping back from the national side after more than a decade at the top of the game.
Ekenasio, who captained the team since 2021 and returned to the role after the birth of her second child, has made 79 appearances for the Silver Ferns.
She made her international debut in 2014.
Ekenasio played a key role in the World Cup triumph in 2019. She also captained the team to victory in the 2021 and 2024 Constellation Cup series, along with multiple Taini Jamison Trophy wins.
“I need this break—for my mind, body, and spirit,’’ Ekenasio said in reference to the decision to step aside.
“It’s been an amazing journey, but now it’s time to listen to what I need personally and take space to reset.
“It’s been the greatest honour to represent Aotearoa and to lead this group of amazing women. There is so much talent and within the Ferns environment and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”
Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua acknowledged Ekenasio’s decision, saying she “always supported athletes in making decisions that are right for them’’.
“I fully respect Ameliaranne’s choice to step away from the international stage at this time,’’ Taurua stated.
“As a mother and wife, supporting a growing family, alongside the demands of being a high-performance athlete and carrying significant leadership responsibilities, the load can be immense. I personally understand that sometimes being everything to everyone simply isn’t sustainable”.
Taurua said the skipper’s leadership, and unique skillsets were “irreplaceable’’.
“At the same time, I truly admire her selfless decision,’’ Taurua added.
“It reflects a deep understanding of the commitment required to be a Silver Fern, and her integrity to step back when she can’t give it her all right now.
“I look forward to welcoming Ameliaranne back when she is ready.”
Born in Queensland and of Ngāpuhi descent, Ekenasio made the move to Wellington in 2014 to join the Central Pulse.