Lightning re-sign team for title defence

Super Netball's Sunshine Coast Lightning have re-signed their entire championship-winning side, including New Zealand veteran Laura Langman.

Midcourter Langman's decision to return to the Australian competition puts her out of selection contention for the Silver Ferns next year, including their Commonwealth Games campaign.

Under New Zealand rules, players must play in their domestic league to be eligible for national selection.

The Lightning's English captain Geva Mentor will also return after being named the competition's best player last season, alongside star goal shooter Caitlin Bassett.

Coach Noeline Taurua has also been confirmed for the title defence.

Taurua was delighted her entire team had been retained.

"We have players returning who were part of establishing this club and its values and that's massive," Taurua said.

"Those 10 athletes have the same mindset which is the intention to get better and build upon what we created."

The next Super Netball season will begin in April, after the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast that month.