Netball: Loffhagen against residence rule

INVERCARGILL - The state of netball in the international arena is in jeopardy if South African shooter Irene van Dyk wins a place in the Silver Ferns, says double international Donna Loffhagen.

The Southland-based Silver Fern and Tall Ferns basketball international said yesterday that the situation could damage netball.

"World netball is in a lot of trouble. It's certainly not benefiting from it at all," Loffhagen said.

Van Dyk confirmed on Wednesday night that she would be available to represent New Zealand after settling in Wellington this year.

International netball rules state that a player can play for only one country in any year.

Van Dyk last represented South Africa at the world championships last year.

"We can beat South Africa by 30 points with Irene playing and she is South African netball," Loffhagen said.

"Without her, it's taking another country out of world netball - it will only be New Zealand and Australia left."

Loffhagen had nothing against van Dyk personally and said she would even enjoy combining their talents, but she was against the idea of swapping loyalties.

"I think she would be good and she's a great person, I just don't think it's the right thing."

Loffhagen was concerned that media pressure would affect the selection.

"It's the talk of New Zealand. There's a ton of media interest and obviously the media believe she's the best shooter in the world."

Loffhagen felt Netball New Zealand should look seriously at the situation.

"It's sort of Netball New Zealand's fault themselves because they haven't got a rule. There's no stand-down period. You can just play for anyone in any given year.

"Netball New Zealand should look at that ruling. It's all too easy.

"What's going to happen in the future? If you don't make the Australian team, you can come over and play for New Zealand because you want to go to the Commonwealth Games."

- NZPA