Constellation Cup MVP Award to honor legends
Netball Australia and Netball New Zealand are proud to announce the introduction of the Plummer-Aitken Medal, a new award that will recognise the most valuable player across the annual Constellation Cup series between the Australian Diamonds and New Zealand Silver Ferns.
Named in honour of netball legends Norma Plummer AM and Dame Ruth Aitken, the medal will be awarded for the first time during the 2026 Constellation Cup series in October.
The award recognises the player who makes the most significant contribution across the entire series and honours two women whose contribution to netball has spanned generations as players, coaches, leaders and World Champions.
Plummer and Aitken share a remarkable place in netball history. Both represented their countries at the highest level, claimed World Cup titles as players and coaches, were inducted into their countries’ respective Netball Halls of Fame, and were at the helm of the Australian Diamonds and Silver Ferns when the Constellation Cup trophy was introduced in 2010.
Their coaching rivalry remains one of the most compelling in international netball history. Between 2004 and 2011, Plummer and Aitken met 35 times as opposing national coaches, with Australia winning 18 matches and New Zealand winning 17.
Dame Ruth Aitken said it was a special honour to share the recognition with Norma Plummer.
"The Constellation Cup represents the very best of trans-Tasman netball, and to have our names associated with an award that celebrates its legacy and the athletes who continue to inspire through it is both humbling and incredibly special," she said.
"Norma and I shared a wonderful rivalry over many years, but it was always built on great respect. To have our names linked through an award that recognises excellence on this stage is something I am very proud of."
Norma Plummer AM said she was deeply honoured by the recognition.
"This is a tremendous honour and one I certainly never expected. The Constellation Cup has created so many memorable moments, and to have our names associated with an award that celebrates its legacy is incredibly special," she said.
"Ruth and I shared some remarkable on court battles over the years, but there was always enormous respect between us. To have our names linked through this award is something I am truly proud of."
Netball Australia Chair Liz Ellis AO said the medal was an appropriate tribute to two of the sport's most influential figures.
"The Constellation Cup is one of the most fiercely contested rivalries in world sport, and it is fitting that the outstanding player across the series is recognised with an award that recognises the integral role these two women have played as both players and coaches.
"Norma Plummer and Ruth Aitken had one of the greatest coaching rivalries our game has seen, and both have left an indelible mark on netball. As someone who played during this time, I am grateful that I got to see first-hand the dedication, passion and mastery of both women.
"The Plummer-Aitken Medal is a tribute to their legacy and will inspire future generations of players who aspire to excel on the Constellation Cup stage."
Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Jennah Wootten said the award reflects the very spirit of the Constellation Cup.
"Dame Ruth Aitken and Norma Plummer are true icons of our game. As players, coaches and leaders, they inspired generations on both sides of the Tasman and helped define an era of international netball.
"What makes this award so special is that it brings together two fierce competitors who pushed each other relentlessly yet always carried a deep respect for one another and for the game itself.
"That spirit sits at the heart of the Constellation Cup and makes the Plummer-Aitken Medal a fitting addition to a rivalry that has helped define international netball for generations."
The inaugural Plummer-Aitken Medal will be awarded to the Constellation Cup Player of the Series following the final match of the 2026 series at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena on Wednesday 28 October (7:30pm AEDT | 9:30pm NZT).