Kopua out of selection picture

FILE

Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua has withdrawn from selection for the 2016 Silver Ferns Squad after announcing she is pregnant with her first child.

Kopua, 30, made a triumphant return to the court in May following a serious knee injury to lead the Silver Ferns at this year's Netball World Cup and in the Constellation Cup.

Kopua had already been granted extended leave by Netball New Zealand until the end of January, however this may now rule her out for the majority of the 2016 season.

"It is an exciting time for Terry and I; we are looking forward to becoming parents for the first time and to start this next chapter in our lives," Kopua said.

Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby says Casey has been an integral part of the Silver Ferns programme; she's a real competitor and a fabulous leader.

"We wish her and Terry all the best at this special time and look forward to her return," Southby said.

The 2016 Silver Ferns Squad will be announced on Thursday 10 December.