ALTHOUGH it is the offseason for much of the netball world, there was still plenty of action and news to keep on top of this week.

The big news out of Australian netball this week was that a Quad Series between Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa will be taking place over in the UK in January 2022. The series will take place at Copper Box Arena in London from January 16-20. The Diamonds team has since been announced, with some experienced stars and fresh faces in the 15-player squad for the series. The Diamonds have been given a grant from Commonwealth Games Australia to take over an extra three players on top of the standard 12 players. Australian fans can watch the series via Foxtel and Kayo.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to test ourselves as we lead into an important year with the Commonwealth Games,” Diamonds head coach, Stacey Marinkovich said. “We’re very grateful to have received support from Commonwealth Games Australia to take a full squad of 15 athletes to the Netball Quad Series.”

“This will give our athletes exposure to international travel, training and competition ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, as well as the opportunity to adapt to international styles, tactics, and the on and off court environments.”

Other big news this week was the announcement of a new partnership that was announced between England Netball and the England Men’s and Mixed Netball Association. The partnership aims to help the male side of the game grow in the UK, while also designed to help protect the existing safe spaces for women that the sport provides.

In a statement on England Netball’s website, CEO of England Netball Fran Connolly explained that joining hands with EMMNA will assist in building England Netball further in the future.

“We recognise the brilliant progress EMMNA have made in growing the male game in recent years, and are excited to formally welcome them to the Netball Family. Supporting them on their mission is not only a pivotal moment for our sport but one that demonstrates a deliberate intent from England Netball to take our game to new audiences.”

In the same statement, EMMNA President and Founder Ryan Allan explained that the partnership will promote greater male participation and develop the exciting pathways already in place across England, with men’s and mixed netball a growing facet of the sport in England.

“This partnership is a significant one not just for our organisation, but for every male in England that wants to play or get involved with the game,” Ryan said. “We are very proud to be part of the Netball Family and whilst we recognise its unique and special place for females, we are hugely excited by the opportunity to partner with England Netball to open up the game and increase male participation in the sport.  

This week also saw the Sunshine Coast Lightning announce that they are now fully owned by the Melbourne Storm. Previously they were half owned by the Storm and half by the University of the Sunshine Coast, but now the rugby league giants are the sole owners of the club.

The Vitality Roses Reunited series begins over the weekend, with a series of tests between England and Jamaica set to showcase plenty of exciting talent. Keep an eye out in the coming days for our preview and players to watch.

Suncorp Super Netball

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International

Diamonds announce Quad Series squad

England Netball partners with England Men’s and Mixed Netball Association

Netball Quad Series set for January 2022

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M-League

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