The world champion Silver Ferns will play international netball this year after all, with confirmation of a three-test series against England in Hamilton next month.
Coronavirus seemed to have thwarted any hope of the NZ netballers facing overseas rivals in 2020, after the trans-Tasman Constellation Cup was postponed until next year.
Instead, Netball NZ scheduled an international series featuring NZ Men, NZ A and NZ U21s from October 21-24.
That tournament will provide a build-up for the Silver Ferns, when they face the Commonwealth Games gold medallists over three tests in late October/November.
"We are really excited to have the Roses come to New Zealand," says Netball NZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie. "We know what a significant moment this is for netball to host the first international game since COVID-19 forced changes around the world.
"England are reigning Commonwealth Games champions and a top-class opponent. It's pleasing to finally announce this series and we know netball fans all over the world will lock these dates into their calendars."
New Zealand last faced England at the Nations Cup in January, overcoming their hosts 64-48 at Nottingham. They also accounted for the Roses 47-45 in the semi-finals of last year's Netball World Cup.
The English are currently ranked third in the world - behind Australia and New Zealand.
"This will be the first time the Roses have played together since January, which feels like a distant memory now," says England coach Jess Thirlby.
"None of us could have been prepared for the impact COVID-19 would cause. It has meant the international calendar has been affected and the Roses have had to adapt to a new way of traning for a while."
All three fixtures are scheduled for Claudelands Arena on October 28 & 30 and November 1.
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