Netball: Colling expecting first child in May

1.30pm

Belinda Colling withdrew from the Silver Ferns netball squad because she is expecting her first child, she said today.

Colling pulled out of this month's three-test series against Australia in Australia due to pregnancy, Netball New Zealand said in a statement today.

The Silver Ferns leave for Sydney this weekend.

Netball New Zealand chief executive officer Shelley McMeeken said while it was disappointing to miss Colling, they fully supported her and partner Charlie Hore.

"This is fantastic news for Belinda and Charlie," she said.

"Belinda has given so much to the Ferns and we wish her all the best for this pregnancy.

"Of course, we're hoping that she'll make a successful return to elite netball as many of our players have."

Colling is now based in Scotland but is back in New Zealand for a visit.

Having children was always part of my personal plans along with travelling, she said in the statement.

"I'm really excited that both of these are coming to fruition," she said.

"Having said that, my netball career is far from over and I hope to make a return towards the end of next year."

Colling is due to give birth in May.

- NZPA