Netball: More competition wanted

SYDNEY - New sponsorship and a sparse international season has prompted Netball Australia to seek an annual tri-series involving Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, beginning in November.

Netball Australia executive director Pam Smith has held discussions on the concept with her counterparts .

She will cross the Tasman tomorrow for further talks with Netball New Zealand chief executive Shelley McMeeken.

"There are negotiations going on at the moment between ourselves, South Africa and New Zealand," NA spokesman Greg Dean said.

Australian national coach Jill McIntosh had recently spent two weeks in South Africa discussing the prospect of a tour there in November, he said.

That would coincide with the Silver Ferns' tour there.

"They're talking about the prospect of turning that into a tri-series. It could become similar to the rugby version and run every year afterwards," Dean said.

World champions Australia have only three matches against Australia B in May before the one-off test against New Zealand for the Fisher and Paykel Cup in Newcastle on June 20. That will be their sole international outing for 2000 unless the South African tour can be confirmed.

- NZPA