WORCESTER'S new professional Netball Superleague club Severn Stars have secured former Australian Diamonds international ace Mo’onia Gerrard as their new head coach.

Gerrard, 35, played in 68 Test matches for Australia and career highlights ranged from her influential role during the 2007 World Cup success through to a silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

She also played at the 2011 World Cup in Singapore.

Gerrard forged a reputation as a reliable, uncompromising defender for the most competitive ANZ sides New South Wales Swifts and Adelaide Thunderbirds, playing in more than 182 national league games.

Her tenacity, tactical mind-set and ability to outwit the most powerful attackers stood out.

Gerrard said: “Being appointed the Stars head coach comes with great responsibility to breed and develop the south-west/Midlands players in England.

"It's also exciting for me to get amongst the English culture and migrate my Australian approach to the England style.”

Since retiring from playing and embarking on a coaching career in 2013, Gerrard has gained experience at State League level in her home area of New South Wales and was a specialist coach during two years with Australia’s 19 and under and 21 and under squads.

Gerrard also served as a technical coach to NSW Swifts in the ANZ Championship and coached internationally in Tonga.

She was invited by Australian Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander to join the coaching panel at Netball Australia’s Centre of Excellence's Future Diamonds Focus camp to develop future internationals.

University of Gloucestershire’s Anita Navin, the Stars director of netball, said: “Mo’onia was a world-class defender and her tenacity and resilience was witnessed by all around the globe.

"She knows exactly what it takes to win, to be the best you can be and will be an asset to the franchise in the coming season.

"It is always great to see players like Mo’onia commit to a coaching role and she is no doubt a valuable asset in the Australia junior set-up.

"Mo’onia and her family are moving to the south-west of England in August and she will take up her role for pre-season training soon after.

"She shares our vision to build a competitive squad but also to ensure the next generation of England players are given opportunities and a quality coaching experience.”

University of Worcester’s Mick Donovan, director of the Severn franchise, said: “ We are absolutely thrilled to be able to announce Mo’onia will be the head coach and believe it really sends out a clear message about our ambitions to succeed in netball’s top flight while also bringing an ambassador to our local netball communities.”

Alexander said: "As coach of Mo’onia at both international and domestic level, I have always been impressed with Mo’onia's unique understanding of our game.

"She has now progressed so well and this is a reflection of her work at the craft of coaching."

England coach Tracey Neville added: “Having known Mo’onia as a player, she was always ready for a challenge and this will be an important quality when developing a new and exciting franchise along with the key role of selecting a squad that can compete for a title.

"A coach with her status will certainly bring the best out of players and I am thrilled she has been appointed and look forward to working with her.”

In Australia, Gerrard mentored younger people and promoted healthy lifestyles along with sporting and personal excellence, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

In 2013, the New South Wales Parliament's Legislative Council voted unanimously to commend her for outstanding service to the community.

Stars have already started to look at playing options for next season and soon hope to be able to announce dates for trials for those who would like to join the 2017 campaign.