Netball: Pulse sign Silver Ferns defender

Katrina Grant is the first high profile personnel switch between NZ franchises. Photo / Getty Images

The struggling Central Pulse netball franchise has completed a coup by luring rookie Silver Ferns defender Katrina Grant to the capital for next year's ANZ Championship.

Grant becomes the first high profile personnel switch between New Zealand's franchises while speculation remains about the playing future of Silver Ferns captain Casey Williams who is off contract with the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic.

Grant's move from the Southern Steel represents a major boost for the Pulse who have won only one match during the first two seasons of the transtasman competition.

The 22-year-old four-test international believed other international class players may follow her lead and join Silver Ferns shooter Paula Griffin and new New Zealand squad member, midcourter Camilla Lees.

Grant's switch has been complemented by the announcement that former New Zealand international Waimarama Taumaunu has been appointed as the team's new technical adviser.

At 1.85-metre Grant shapes as the ideal replacement for Jamaican import Althea Byfield, who is not expected back for a second season.

- NZPA