The Auckland Diamonds have signed former Australian captain Kathryn Harby-Williams for their national league campaign.
Williams' transtasman shift comes after an outstanding 12-year international career, including four years as captain, two world championship titles and two Commonwealth Games gold medals.
The no-nonsense defender has played in 17 consecutive Australian grand finals and said she wanted to experience the same with the Diamonds.
"I've been very fortunate to have experienced much success and enjoyment whilst playing in Australia," she said.
"Now that an opportunity has presented itself to play for the Diamonds I am excited about adding another chapter to my career."
Diamonds coach Joan Hodson was looking forward to the 33-year-old's arrival.
"Through Kathryn's career I have been specifically impressed with the intelligence she brings to the game, her relentless defence and her courage on court," Hodson said.
"She has proven top-notch ability over a lengthy career, which will bolster the leadership within the Diamonds."
The National Bank Cup begins on April 17.
* Liz Ellis' first act as the new captain of the Australian netball team was to burst into tears.
Her second was to vow to restore the side's aura of invincibility that they lost, along with the world title, to New Zealand last year.
"When I was a little 8-year-old and I put on my first tunic ... I never dreamt that I would be standing here one day as captain of what I think is an awesome team," Ellis, 31, said yesterday.
Ellis replaced Harby-Williams as captain and Sharelle McMahon became vice-captain in the final act of the regime change after last year's world championship loss to the Silver Ferns.
The side named yesterday to tour South Africa and England on March 5 includes two players still to make their full international debuts - New South Wales goal defence Mo'onia Gerrard, 23, and West Australian centre Jessica Shynn, 21.
Australian tour squad: Liz Ellis (capt), Sharelle McMahon, Jane Altschwager, Alison Broadbent, Bianca Chatfield, Natasha Chokljat, Catherine Cox, Mo'onia Gerrard, Alex Hodge, Janine Ilitch, Sue Meaney, Cynna Neele, Peta Scholz, Jessica Shynn.
- NZPA
Netball: Kathryn Harby-Williams is a Diamond signing
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