Netball: Rowberry pregnant, quits Ferns

Anna Rowberry played 91 times for New Zealand. File picture / Dean Purcell

Anna Rowberry today announced her retirement from international netball as she is expecting her first child.

Rowberry, who is based in Tauranga, said she would keep the door open to play netball at a domestic level.

"It was great to win gold at the Commonwealth Games and I feel my international career has come to a natural end with this great team success," the 30-year-old, who has played 91 internationals, said.

"I wish the Silver Ferns the very best for their upcoming games."

Rowberry said being a Silver Fern had been a major part of her life for the past 10 years.

"I still follow them closely, it's just now I'll just be a supporter on the sideline."

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken said: "While it is disappointing for the Silver Ferns that we lose such a great talent as Rowberry, we are absolutely delighted for her.

"She has given so much to the Ferns -- as a former captain who boasts 91 caps for New Zealand."

Aitken said Rowberry was a real asset to the game and she was delighted that she was keeping her mind open for the sport at domestic level.

- NZPA