"It has been a blast... what's next is unknown and that's what makes it so exciting. Goosebumps! Over and out"
Thursday 22 October 2020 16:21, UK
It is "over and out" for the exceptional Laura Langman, as she has officially retired from all forms of netball.
New Zealand's World Cup-winning captain announced she would be stepping away from the international game back in August, and now she will move away from all forms of the game.
Since her arrival on court, Langman has set the standard for all to follow and she finished her domestic career with Sunshine Coast Lightning.
"To be a part of a team is a gift," Langman said on social media.
"Team-mates see you at your best, your worst and all the times in between. These are the memories that make the journey so special.
"Thanks for having me netball whanau, it has been a blast... what's next is unknown and that's what makes it so exciting. Goosebumps! Over and out."
Kylee Byrne, Langman's head coach at Sunshine Coast Lightning, expressed her gratitude for the athlete's contributions on court.
"The legacy that Lauz will leave at our club and the sport in general is monumental, one of netball's greats has retired this week," Byrne said.
"I could spend hours highlighting the great moments and attributes that make Lauz so special and those that know her or have been in her presence will understand that she is one of a kind.
"When you join the Lightning family, you are forever part of the fabric of this club and we are sure that Lauz will not be a stranger in seasons to come."
Langman played a pivotal role in the club's inaugural 2017 season before returning to captain the side after a year's hiatus and leading them to a third consecutive Grand Final.
This year, under the most challenging of circumstances due to Covid-19, Langman led her side through a condensed format within a Queensland hub, and took Lightning to another finals series.
After her retirement from international netball, peers, coaches and fans all took to social media to hail her contribution to the sport and upon her full retirement, they have done so again.
Langman will now have the opportunity to sit back and watch her former New Zealand team-mates take on England in a three-Test series which starts on October 28.
The Silver Ferns, who have played one competition without Langman back in January, are currently warming up for their Tests against England.
Dame Noeline Taurua's side came away with a 59-44 victory over New Zealand A on Wednesday. They will then take on the New Zealand U21 side, New Zealand Men and feature in a play-off match ahead of meeting England.
All three Test matches against England will be live on Sky Sports Main Event and Mix.
Live netball returns to Sky Sports with the Vitality Roses taking on the Silver Ferns in a three-Test series at the end of October. Join us for the first Test on October 28.
