Netball: Laura Langman back with Silver Ferns, but netball future still in limbo

Laura Langman has been recalled to the Silver Ferns but her long term future in netball in New Zealand is yet to be resolved.

The midcourter was exiled from the national team when she signed with an Australian franchise in 2017, but has made her return in the squad for the upcoming representative campaign.

While it was thought her return in the black dress was a sign she would be lining up with a team in the ANZ Premiership next season, Langman told Radio Sport's D'Arcy Waldegrave she was yet to have those discussions.

"I think they're probably discussions when I get a chance to get up and talk to Netball New Zealand in person that'll take place," Langman said, "but at this stage it's just let's get ready for camp and get started."

Langman was approached by the sport's governing body last week about a potential return to the national team, despite the 32-year-old not having played a competitive game of netball since late 2017.

Laura Langman is excited to make her return to the black dress. Photo / Getty

Her return to the national system will likely come with a familiar face in charge, with Noeline Taurua expected to be named as Janine Southby's successor in the coaching role.

Netball New Zealand hoped to confirm the national team's new head coach by September 10, with the delay thought to stem from the Australian Super League finals push of Taurua's Sunshine Coast Lightning side.

The governing body were confident they would have a head coach confirmed before the beginning of the Quad Series. Langman is expected to line up for the Silver Ferns' first match of the tournament, against England on September 15.

Langman played under Taurua with the Lightning in the Super League last year, with the team winning the competition in its inaugural season. Langman announced she would be taking a break from the sport at the end of 2017.

However, she's remained fit, trying her hand at "different things" including adventure racing.

"I've just been enjoying life really…I've enjoyed being able to say yes to things I usually have to say no to because I've got netball. I really enjoyed my time off and it's given me great perspective of where to next."

Langman's won't be the only familiar face returning to the Silver Ferns, with former captain Casey Kopua named in the squad after a near three-year absence. Kopua, 33, will be unavailable for the Quad Series as she continues to recover from a foot injury suffered during her campaign with the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic in the ANZ Premiership.