Karin Burger

South African-born defender who moved to New Zealand at 18 with no netball pedigree, went on to win the 2019 World Cup, and became Silver Ferns captain.

Karin Burger was born on 12 April 1993 in Cape Town, South Africa, and grew up in Vredendal, Western Cape. Unlike compatriots Irene van Dyk and Leana de Bruin, who were already established South African internationals before switching allegiance, Burger moved to New Zealand alone at 18 in 2012 with no clear plan, taking what was meant to be a gap year and building her netball career entirely from scratch through club netball in Wellington. Burger made her Silver Ferns debut in 2018 against England and was part of New Zealand's triumphant 2019 World Cup campaign in Liverpool. She won back-to-back ANZ Premiership titles with Central Pulse in 2019 and 2020, before moving to Mainland Tactix in 2021, where she was named the competition's Player of the Year after leading the league in intercepts. She also played a key defensive role in New Zealand's 2021 Constellation Cup win, the country's first title in the competition since 2009. Burger led the Tactix to their maiden ANZ Premiership title in 2025, and was appointed interim Silver Ferns captain for the first Test of the 2025 Taini Jamison Trophy Series before being given the role permanently for that year's Constellation Cup and a New Zealand tour of Great Britain. In 2026 she signed with Australia's Sunshine Coast Lightning after 12 years split between the Pulse and Tactix, seeking a new challenge in the Suncorp Super Netball league.

Rangy, versatile defender capable of playing all three defensive positions, known for tenacity and elite interception ability

A symbol of resilience and self-made success in New Zealand netball, having built her entire career from grassroots club level after emigrating with no plan

• Netball World Cup Gold 2019
• Constellation Cup Winner 2021, 2024
• 2021 ANZ Premiership Player of the Year
• Silver Ferns Captain (2025-)