Silver Ferns Appoint Briony Akle as Assistant Coach

Netball New Zealand is pleased to announce the appointment of Briony Akle as Assistant Coach of the Silver Ferns. The experienced coach will work with Silver Ferns Head Coach Dame Noeline Taurua for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Akle joins up with the Silver Ferns from the New South Wales Swifts, where she has established herself as one of the premier coaches in Suncorp Super Netball, leading the club to two title wins and three Grand Finals. The appointment brings Akle back into the Silver Ferns environment, where she worked as a specialist coach over the past two years.

Akle will continue coaching the Swifts and will join the Silver Ferns environment at the conclusion of the Suncorp Super Netball season, which ends on July 4.

“It is always a huge honour to be involved with iconic sporting teams, and the Silver Ferns are one of those," Akle said.

"I love working with Noeline, who is a world-class coach with one of the greatest track records in the game, as well as the fantastic athletes she has assembled.  

"Getting to be part of a team that's contesting the Commonwealth Games, one of our sport's flagship events, is a new challenge for me and I am excited about what that brings. As a coach I always want to take myself out of my comfort zone because that is how you grow and become better at what you do."

Silver Ferns Head Coach Dame Noeline Taurua describes Akle as a master coach.

"She has come through the pathway, from academy level through to the international stage, and has invested years into mastering her craft. Along that journey, she has experienced both the highs and the challenges that shape coaches and build resilience,” said Dame Noeline.

"With limited time leading into the Commonwealth Games, it's invaluable to have Briony who is clear in her coaching style and approach. She brings clarity, composure and proven performance at the highest level."

Akle has worked alongside the team's current systems over the past two seasons. She returns to the environment with an established understanding of the programme's demands and expectations.

The Silver Ferns are next in action at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Their opening match is against hosts Scotland on July 25th.