The NSW Swifts will head to New Zealand during their 2023 Suncorp Super Netball pre-season preparations, renewing rivalries with the Southern Steel and Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse (formerly Central Pulse).
The seven-time Premiers and the Pulse will be hosted by the Steel from 4-7 February at ILT Stadium Southland.
Boasting a combined total of eight respective premierships to their credit since the Clubs first crossed paths in the Trans-Tasman Championship in 2008 (three for Swifts and Pulse and two for Steel), the trio are set deliver a netball showdown highly-anticipated by fans on both sides of the Tasman.
Steel CEO Lana Winders said the fixture was an exciting addition to the netball calendar.
“Invercargill is often hailed as the netball capital (of NZ) and we are rapt to bring high calibre international netball back to the city for our dedicated and passionate fans," she said.
"Our community will witness some really high-performing netball and superstars of our sport in action.
“We’re adding a festival day into the mix as well so the next generation of players can engage with their sporting heroes. It’s going to be an epic way to launch our 2023 campaign.”
Swifts Executive General Manager Kath Tetley said the franchise was “delighted” to be heading to Invercargill to renew on-court rivalries.
“Our clubs are very well acquainted as a result of the trans-Tasman competition from 2008 to 2016, and our respect for each other on and off the court has always been incredibly strong,” she said.
“We know how passionate people in the far south of NZ are about their netty and we cannot wait to play in front of a very passionate and parochial crowd who always add so much to the occasion. In my opinion, both Sydney and Invercargill are home to some of the greatest netball fans in the world.
“Our players, coaches and staff are hugely excited about the trip across the Tasman and looking forward to a wonderful festival of netball during our time there.”
Steel head coach Reinga Bloxham said the encounters would form an important part of the team’s ANZ Premiership build-up.
“The chance to host the Swifts and the Pulse is fantastic. Both have unique styles and offer something different which adds to the challenge for us,” she said.
“It’s definitely going to provide us with some vital high intensity game play against quality sides.”
More details about the pre-season trip will be unveiled in due course.
