Diamonds to compete in World Netball Series

Thursday, February 5, 2009

By Netball Australia

The Australian Netball Diamonds will head to Manchester in October to compete in the inaugural World Netball Series, as the worlds’ top six netball nations battle in a new fast, ferocious and vibrant form of the game.

The World Netball Series to be held at the MEN Arena from October 9-11 will feature Australia, New Zealand, England, Jamaica, Samoa and Malawi.

With innovative rule changes, including rolling substitutions, shooting from outside the goal circle and power plays, the new format will test the fitness, technical ability and tactical awareness of the best players in the world.

Teams will play more than once a day and each game will be played over four, six minute quarters adding to what promises to be a high energy spectacle.

Netball Australia Chief Executive Kate Palmer believes the World Series is an exciting step in the development and profile of the sport.

“This highly entertaining event will be vibrant, raising the profile of netball. A perfect product for broadcast, it will excite netball fans and attract a new audience to the sport,” Palmer explained.

“The Diamonds are a talented and professional team and I am sure they will thrive on this opportunity to play an altered format of the game. This game should also provide an arena for emerging athletes to star.”

Diamonds coach Norma Plummer is excited about the concept of the competition and how it may be the catalyst to keep the sport innovative and appealing.

“This is an opportunity for netball to think outside the square and develop. It is going to be quick competition and very exciting,” Plummer said.

“The new rules trialed also could be a trigger for changes for the tradition game moving forward which will keep it fresh and engaging.”

Molly Rhone, IFNA President, said “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to further showcase our sport to the world and we are eagerly looking forward to October when we welcome the top six teams to Manchester. It is a moment in history for us, as it is the first time the best teams from all around the globe will gather to compete in a new faster format of netball.”