5 Feb 2021

Casey Kopua returns to Magic

12:16 pm on 5 February 2021

The former Silver Ferns captain Casey Kopua returning to the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic.

She won't be playing however having signed on as the side's defensive coach for the upcoming ANZ permiership season.

Magic captain Casey Kopua directing players in the ANZ Premiership

Casey Kopua is joining the Magic's coaching staff. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2017 www.photosport.nz

Kopua retired from playing in 2019 after 17 seasons with the Magic and says it's an opportunity to bring her expertise back to the game.

"It will be a bit of a change not being out on court in the thick of it, but it's a challenge I'm really looking forward to and can't wait to see what the season holds."

Head coach Amigene Metcalfe said it was exciting to see Kopua back and "we're pleased to be able to support Casey's development as she embarks on her coaching journey."

During her elite netball career, Kopua only ever played for Magic, joining the team as a teenager alongside Laura Langman in 2003 and going on to win two National Bank Cup titles, an ANZ Championship title and two ANZ Championship New Zealand conference titles.