Star shooter Grace Nweke will be playing netball in Australia next year, meaning she will not be able to compete for the Silver Ferns.
The 22-year-old, who has played 30 Tests, has signed with Sydney-based New South Wales Swifts to play in the Australian domestic league.
She is still eligible for New Zealand's Tests against England and Australia later this year, having played for the title-winning Mystics in the ANZ Premiership on home soil.
Under Netball New Zealand rules, a player must play in the national competition to be eligible for the Silver Ferns.
Nweke will move to Sydney for pre-season training after the four-Test Constellation Cup series against Australia concludes in late October. He said: “I'm ready for a shake-up”.
“Playing with the Swifts in Australia provides me with new challenges and experiences that will further hone my skills and ultimately benefit my game at all levels,” she said.
“Having the opportunity to experience different playing styles and strategies week in, week out is very important for my development.”
Nweke said she understood the sacrifice she was making and “I will also have to fight for my position back in the team when the time comes and I am available for the Silver Ferns again.”
Swifts head coach Briony Akle welcomed Nweke to the seven-time champions.
“Grace is one of the best shooters in the world. She has proven herself at international level, but I think she is only at the beginning of her potential.”
Netball New Zealand chairman Matt Whineray said they respected Nweke's decision.
“We understand this has been a very difficult decision for Grace, and one she has not taken lightly… we look forward to seeing Grace back in time for the 2027 Commonwealth Games and the Netball World Championship.”
Netball New Zealand has been down this path before.
In 2016, midfielder Laura Langman was cleared to play for the NSW Swifts.
Langman did not get that the following year, when she signed to play for the Sunshine Coast Lightning under Dame Noeline Taurua, the current coach of the Silver Ferns, which prevented her from competing in international netball.