Netball: Silver Ferns link with rivals for new comp

A new partnership will link New Zealand and Australia with South Africa and England. Photo / Getty

Four of international netball's strongest nations have joined forces in a ground-breaking partnership.

South Africa, New Zealand, England and Australia will link to form SANZEA, an agreement that will see the national teams play in a new international competition on a regular basis.

The importance of regular international fixtures outside of Netball World Cup and Commonwealth Games years is recognised by the participating nations, who are united in their goal of developing a high profile and regular international competition.

New Zealand and Australia will host the inaugural event in late 2016, with the competition moving to South Africa and England, who will host in early 2017.

A review will be undertaken after the initial two years, which may lead to further opportunities for the competition to grow, including the addition of other nations.

The International Netball Federation has indicated support of the new partnership, with the competition format for the inaugural event, including dates and venues, to be released in the New Year.

Netball New Zealand chief executive Hilary Poole said she was excited about the new competition and the opportunities it opened on the international stage.

"This partnership has the potential to change the face of international netball and is another big step towards building the depth of the game globally," Poole said.

"England has long been a fierce rival for the Silver Ferns and the Australian Diamonds, while South Africa showed us this year when they toured New Zealand and Australia that they relish the international contest.

"As we look ahead to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, Netball World Cup Liverpool 2019, and more broadly, the Durban 2022 Commonwealth Games - I believe we can all be excited about the positive impact this new partnership will bring."