Netball New Zealand has confirmed Briony Akle as the new Silver Ferns assistant coach to partner Dame Noeline Taurua before the Commonwealth Games.
The New South Wales Swifts mentor has worked with the Silver Ferns for the past two years as a specialist attack coach.
The Australian has led theSwifts to two Super Netball titles and three grand finals. New South Wales, featuring Silver Ferns goal shoot Grace Nweke, are currently seventh on the SSN ladder with one win from six games.
Akle replaces Deb Fuller, who joined the Malawi Queens as their new high-performance netball consultant in February.
“It is always a huge honour to be involved with iconic sporting teams, and the Silver Ferns are one of those,” Akle said.
“I love working with Noeline, who is a world-class coach with one of the greatest track records in the game, as well as the fantastic athletes she has assembled.
Briony Akle has worked with the Silver Ferns as a specialist attack coach since 2024. Photo / Photosport
“Getting to be part of a team that’s contesting the Commonwealth Games, one of our sport’s flagship events, is a new challenge for me, and I am excited about what that brings. As a coach, I always want to take myself out of my comfort zone because that is how you grow and become better at what you do.”
Head coach Dame Noeline Taurua describes Akle as a master coach.
“She has come through the pathway, from academy level through to the international stage, and has invested years into mastering her craft. Along that journey, she has experienced both the highs and the challenges that shape coaches and build resilience.
“With limited time leading into the Commonwealth Games, it’s invaluable to have Briony, who is clear in her coaching style and approach. She brings clarity, composure and proven performance at the highest level.”
Dame Noeline Taurua will convene with the Silver Ferns three weeks out from the Commonwealth Games. Photo / Getty Images
Akle will join the Silver Ferns after the conclusion of Super Netball, just three weeks out from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Major questions remain about the happiness of the Silver Ferns after player complaints saw Taurua stood down by Netball NZ (NNZ) days out from the Taini Jamison series last September.
She was reinstated six weeks later, but has not convened with the entire team since.
As revealed by Newstalk ZB in November, the issues included players being afraid to make mistakes and speak up, mixed messages, and perceptions of contradictions, shifting standards, and preferential treatment for certain players.
Taurua is visiting the ANZ Premiership sides to connect with key players, and was in Australia last month doing the same with the overseas Ferns.
Permanent replacements at Netball New Zealand for Jennie Wyllie and Matt Whineray are yet to be found. Photo / Photosport
It also needs a new permanent chief executive, with Jane Patterson serving only until the end of the Commonwealth Games. NNZ is yet to name a head of high performance, after Stephen Hotter resigned in December.
New Zealand’s opening Commonwealth Games match is against hosts Scotland on July 25.
Nathan Limm has been a journalist with Newstalk ZB and the NZ Herald since 2020. He covered the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023, hosts The Big League Podcast and commentates on rugby and netball for Gold Sport.
