New Adventures Ahead For Birmingham-Bound Metuarau

Embracing the opportunity of a complete change in lifestyle, play-making Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse goal attack Tiana Metuarau will suit up for the Birmingham Panthers in the UK’s Netball Superleague (NSL) in 2026.

A homegrown shooter, Metuarau, 24, has spent eight seasons in Pulse colours, while in search of more game time also spent a year with the Steel in 2021. First making the Pulse team as a replacement player in 2017 as a 16-year-old schoolgirl, Metuarau has been a constant at the elite level ever since, receiving veteran status early on in a remarkable return for someone so young.

At just 22, the play-making shooter became the youngest New Zealand player to notch 100 national league outings and the first to reach the milestone across just one league, the ANZ Premiership. She has now played a total of 125 national league matches.

In between, Metuarau has swapped school books for university books but her ability to marshall the attack line through an influential combination of explosive power, subtle finesse, a bullet pass and pin-point vision have remained her hallmarks.

A key cog in what the Pulse stand for, Metuarau’s contribution, both in the team’s culture and as a player, has been immense. In the process, she has won three ANZ Premiership titles (2019, 2020 and 2022) with the team in yellow and black.

``It has been a real privilege. I love my Pulse team-mates and the staff,’’ she said. ``I’ll never forget my debut, TSB (Wellington) will always be my favourite arena in the world and our Pulse fans are the best.

``It was sad when we lost the Elimination Final because it was a realisation that many of us were parting ways and I’m especially close with some of the girls.’’

With the prime motivator being to get the joy of playing back in her veins, the off-shoots of still being able to play high-level netball, mixing with new people and opportunities to travel were compelling attractions for Metuarau.

Sadly, for the immensely talented young athlete, the constant flow of negative online abuse over a long time have taken a toll, the need for her well-being and a refresh now being top priority.

A generally fun-loving, vibrant personality, Metuarau is candid about the effects of often being left in a vulnerable and lonely space but with the decision made to take on a new adventure, the renowned pep and sassy nature are returning.

``For the first time in a long while, I’m actually excited about netball again which is really important,’’ she said.

``It’s one of the biggest factors of why I wanted to move and it was either that or I was going to stop playing and that pained me because this has been my entire world since I was a teenager, and deep down I know I would miss it.

``I have developed a thicker skin because you put yourself out there every week for people to criticise you, and that’s the nature of sport but I’m pretty over it now. Only my inner circle really know the lengths that it got to and how difficult I found it.

``So, I thought what better opportunity than to go over and play netball where I was born.’’

Born in Stevenage, just north of London, when her mum, Waimarama Taumaunu was National Performance Director of England Netball for five years, and dad George Metuarau coached England premiership rugby teams, their daughter is looking forward to following in their footsteps.

``I feel a sense of comfort and a connection to where I’m going because I was born there and my parents speak so fondly of it and have the best memories, so I’m just excited to experience it with fresh eyes and as an adult,’’ she said.

Heading to her new home, the Panthers franchise was one of two new entities added in last year’s re-launch of the NSL and have enlisted former England international Sonia Mkoloma as head coach for the upcoming season.

``For the past 10 years, Tiana has been a dedicated force in New Zealand netball – an elite athlete whose powerful presence, competitive spirit and unique skillset have made her a standout performer at every level,’’ Pulse coach Anna Andrews-Tasola said.

``A true Pulse legend, Tiana celebrated her 100th game for the club this season – a milestone that reflects her loyalty, resilience and brilliance on court. Over the past decade, she’s carved out a remarkable career, becoming a multiple ANZ Premiership champion and one of the most electrifying talents in the game.

``Off the court, Tiana has been a leader in every sense. Her support of club and school netball, her mentorship of young players, and her unwavering commitment to the sport have left a lasting impact across the Central Zone and beyond.

``After battling injuries over the past two seasons, this move offers Tiana a valuable opportunity to reset, rediscover the joy in her netball and embrace fresh experiences in a new environment.’’

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