Netball: Seymour retires from Silver Ferns

Silver Ferns captain Julie Seymour has announced her retirement from international netball because she is pregnant with her fourth child.

However, Seymour, 38, will continue to play for the Canterbury Tactix in the current transtasman league and will assess her availability week by week.

The superbly fit mid-courter has been a stand-out competitor in the international netball scene, accumulating 92 test caps since her debut for the Silver Ferns in 1994.

She played in world championship campaigns in 1995, 1999 and 2007 and the 1998 and 2002 Commonwealth Games.

"I've had a fantastic international career over such an extended period, netball has been such an important part of my life and I am sure will continue to be so just in different areas in the future.

"It's now time for me to focus on my family and of course the remainder of my season with the Tactix team," she said.

Silver Ferns Coach Ruth Aitken said Seymour's commitment and leadership on and off the court would be greatly missed by the Silver Ferns.

"Julie's excellent fitness levels and consistently high work rate have given her the ability to play a consistently high level of netball over many years.

"Her strong belief in teamwork and great leadership has been a huge asset to the Ferns leading always by example on and off the court," she said.

" We are sure that we can utilise her skills as a role model and mentor in the future."

Netball New Zealand said it will look to recognise Seymour's contribution to the Silver Ferns soon.

- NZPA