NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL SHARNE ROBATI TO JOIN UC CAPITALS

The UC Capitals are excited to welcome New Zealand Tall Fern Sharne Robati to their roster for the 2026/27 WNBL season.

Robati joins the Capitals following her debut WNBL campaign with the Adelaide Lightning and arrives in Canberra as a strong, versatile forward with a wealth of international experience.

She said the opportunity to join the Capitals and continue her growth in the WNBL was an exciting next step.

“I enjoyed my opportunity in Adelaide a lot but talking with Paul [Goriss] and seeing the confidence he has in me to be able to grow more and play a consistent role drew me towards the Caps. I have also loved playing under Nat [Hurst] for the Tall Ferns, so I’m looking forward to continuing that connection here,” Robati said.

The 25-year-old has been a consistent contributor for the Tall Ferns, most recently representing New Zealand at the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers under Capitals Assistant Coach Nat Hurst. Her ability to impact the game on both ends, combined with her physicality and work rate, has seen her develop into a dominant presence on the court.

Caps Head Coach, Paul Goriss, said Robati’s skillset and competitiveness make her an exciting addition to the group.

“Sharne impressed me during the Opals verse NZ Trans-Tasman series with her toughness, rebounding, and versatility to play both inside and outside. She also brings the physicality from 3x3 with NZ and the ability to play through contact and defend one-on-one.

“I am excited to add Sharne to our team and I believe she can really be a high impact player for us doing all the little things,” Goriss said.

UC Capitals Executive General Manager, Christy Collier-Hill, said the club was thrilled to bring Robati into the program.

“We’re really excited to welcome Sharne to the Caps. She's been a stand-out for the Tall Ferns, and with her athleticism and versatility, she'll be an incredible asset to the group,” she said.

“Teaming up with her NZ Head Coach in Nat Hurst will no doubt further enhance her development, and we're excited to see her on court in Caps colours this season.”

Robati is currently suiting up in NBL1 for the Casey Cavaliers, averaging 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists per game.

Born in Auckland, Robati played college basketball in the USA at Utah State University Eastern before returning to New Zealand to spend several seasons in the Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa league.

She has since made the move to the WNBL and is ready to make her mark in Canberra.

“I'm looking forward to meeting new people, exploring a new city, learning from other players, and growing in this space.

“We’re going to be playing some exciting basketball in Canberra, and I can’t wait to be amongst all the Caps fans – it’s going to be a great season.”

Robati joins Nyadiew Puoch and Isa Brancatisano on the Caps 2026/27 roster with more announcements to come soon.

‍