With their Constellation Cup defence on hold, the Silver Ferns have confirmed a three-match series against NZ Men, as they search for games in their Commonwealth Games build-up.
After COVID-19 outbreaks on both sides of the Tasman, the annual series between New Zealand and Australia, scheduled for October, was finally called off this week, but Netball NZ has wasted not time finding replacement fixtures for the national team.
Instead, the Ferns will meet their males counterparts on consecutive nights at Hamilton next month, with curtainraisers between NZA and NZ U21, mirroring the four-team series staged last year.
The battle of the sexes has become an integral part of the Ferns' programme, providing a next-level preparation for their 2019 World Cup triumph, before the women turned the tables on the men in the build-up to last year's Constellation Cup success.
"We are really excited to be able to get some of our elite men's players out on court, after COVID led to the postponement of our 2021 men's nationals," says NZ Men's and Mixed Netball Association president Junior Tana.
"We always love these dual gender clashes, as they push our athletes to new extremes and add to the development of both sides."
The encounters have been scheduled for October 10, 11 & 12 at Globox Arena, Claudelands, but whether they are played with spectators will depend on New Zealand's COVID alert level status.
"The series, with the inclusion of New Zealand teams, has been a really successful event for the entire programme in helping players gain experience out there on court," says Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua.
"With Commonwealth Games next year and then Netball World Cup in 2023, we need to keep growing, both on and off court. Match experience is crucial in building towards our upcoming international events, but also going forward beyond that."
New Zealand will take on England in a three-match series in Christchurch this month.
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