Netball: Van Dyk signs with Central Pulse

Irene van Dyk is moving to the Pulse. Photo / Getty Images.

Silver Ferns goal shoot Irene van Dyk is leaving the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic after signing with the Central Pulse for the 2014 season.

In a crippling blow to the Magic's attack, Van Dyk's move was confirmed just hours after Laura Langman's departure to the Mystics was announced.

The Silver Ferns shooter has spent 11 years at the Magic and was widely expected to stay, despite the recent exit of popular coach Noeline Taurua.

New coach Julie Fitzgerald had apparently indicated that she was willing to fit in with van Dyk commuting needs from Wellington and van Dyk had previously said she was looking forward to working with Fitzgerald.

It positions the Pulse as probably New Zealand's best prospect in next years' ANZ Championship and will consign the Magic to a mid table team.

The twin departures may not be the end, with Leana de Bruin also said to be considering offers from other teams. However, Casey Kopua is unlikely to leave.

Van Dyk was the most accurate shooter in this year's trans-Tasman competition, scoring 425 goals from 445 attempts for a 95.5% success rate.

Van Dyk, who last played in her hometown in 2002 for the Capital Shakers, said she was looking forward to spending more team at home with her family.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time playing for the Magic, which has been very special," said van Dyk. [However] I'm really looking forward to a fresh challenge with the Pulse as I look to build my future closer to home."