New Thunderbirds recruit Leana de Bruin, playing for New Zealand, defends Australia’s Catherine Cox in 2012. Picture: Sandra Mu (Getty Images)
FORMER South African and New Zealand champion Leana de Bruin has been lured to Adelaide Thunderbirds in a massive recruiting coup for next season’s Super Netball.
The veteran defender, who played 104 Tests for the Silver Ferns after 34 for the Proteas, retired from international netball last year.
She has joined Adelaide on a one-year deal.
Thunderbirds coach Dan Ryan announced the signing on Monday, as he revealed the defenders for next season.
Kate Shimmin has returned after a year with Queensland Firebirds, while Fiona Themann will have a second season with the team.
The midcourt players will be named on Tuesday and the shooters the following day.
Ryan promised some surprises and big names with his new squad and he delivered with de Bruin, who comes to Adelaide with a stunning resume.
“I’ve loved my time with the (Auckland-based) Northern Stars,” de Bruin said.
“It was a great leadership role for me in helping to establish a new team and culture with some of New Zealand’s next generation of netballers.
“I had had thoughts of retiring, but Adelaide approached me and it was an opportunity to try something different before I hang up the netball dress for good.”
Fiona Themann0:42
Thunderbirds defender Fiona Themann
De Bruin has played in five world cups and three Commonwealth Games, claiming gold medals in 2006 and 2010 when the Silver Ferns conquered Australia in the final.
She was a key factor in the Silver Ferns securing the 2003 world championship.
In 2012, she was player of the grand final when Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic beat Melbourne Vixens for the trans-Tasman trophy, the only Kiwi outfit to win the crown in the league’s nine-year history.
De Bruin turned 40 on Sunday, but this season she was in career best form as the MVP for new team Northern Stars in the NZ domestic competition.
“Leana is one of the best defenders in the world and I’ve always had incredible respect for the way she plays the game,” Ryan said.
“Her experience and smarts, plus the ability to stand up and be a matchwinner, are attributes that are going to be so valuable for our team.
“She will provide great leadership down back, as well as the perfect mentorship for rising stars Kate Shimmin and Fiona Themann.
“Having her sign with us is just sensational and I cannot wait to see the positive influence she is going to have on the club.’’
Originally published as Thunderbirds coup as de Bruin signs
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