Blow to Silver Ferns ahead of Birmingham Games

The Silver Ferns have suffered a major blow ahead of the Commonwealth Games with defender Karin Burger ruled out with a fractured foot.

Karin Burger offers the Silver Ferns plenty of options defensively.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Burger, who has 33 Test caps, suffered the injury during the final round of the ANZ Premiership and now requires surgery meaning she will miss next week’s Silver Ferns trial.

Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua said it’s blow for Burger and the side.

“We really feel for Karin who has been a key member of the Silver Ferns defensive unit over a number of years,” she said.

“She is hardworking, diligent, ball-getter and a fantastic team person….we will miss her immensely.”

Burger, who made her Silver Ferns debut in 2018 and can cover all three defensive positions, said she was still coming to terms with missing out on the Games but needs to focus on getting fit for next year’s World Cup.

“Obviously this is not how I pictured the next few months going but injury is a part of an athlete’s life and for me, I now need to work my way back from this and look ahead to what is another big year with the Netball World Cup in South Africa in 2023,” she said.

The Silver Ferns squad for the Commonwealth Games team will be named on June 27th.

-RNZ