In 2012 Irene helped lead her New Zealand team Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic to victory, beating the Melbourne Vixens in the ANZ Championships. She later went on to play for New Zealand’s national team, the Silver Ferns.

Originally from South Africa, she initially faced a hostile media who didn’t accept her as a New Zealand player, but with her success she eventually became a national treasure. She is the most-capped netballer of all time.

Irene has been speaking to Alex Collins.

(Photo: Irene Van Dyk playing in the All Star Celeb Slam in Novermber 2020 Credit: Getty)