Grant to return to Pulse for 2018

Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse have retained the services of defender and captain Katrina Grant for the 2018 ANZ Premiership.

Despite being defeated in this year’s grand final by the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel, the Pulse had a season to savour after making the play-offs for the first time in their 10-year history.

The long-serving Grant, who turned 30 in May, had no hesitation in re-signing for a ninth successive campaign with the Wellington-based team.

“I’ve been with the Pulse a long time and we made the finals this year which was significant,” Grant said.

“I am obviously getting that little bit older and the Pulse have been really good to me over the years I’ve been with them. I love Wellington, I love the people and I really wanted to be loyal to them.”

Already well into her planning for next year, the retention of Grant was key for coach Yvette McCausland-Durie.

“It’s critical because she’s obviously a quality player and that makes a massive difference in terms of performance,” McCausland-Durie said.

“On top of that, what I think has been really great to see in her this year is lots of growth. Growth in her leadership, growth in her performance and through that we saw greater consistency.

She’s still got so much to offer in terms of that professionalism around her preparation to the game, and her ability to know what’s required in tough matches is really huge for us.”

Grant is the first of the Pulse signings for next year’s competition.