KEY POINTS:
Robyn Broughton will coach the combined Southland-Otago netball team in the inaugural Tasman Trophy next year.
Her appointment, confirmed yesterday, should surprise no one.
Broughton guided Southern Sting into 10 finals of the domestic National Bank Cup for seven wins, including victory this year.
Her combined southern team, yet to be given a name, will contest the Tasman Trophy against nine other franchise teams in New Zealand and Australia from April to July.
"It's a big commitment but I think what swayed my decision in the end was the excitement of the players, and the challenge of pulling two teams together and showing people what the southern end of the country can do," Broughton told The Southland Times newspaper.
"We will put all the rivalry and energy between Southland and Otago into one and transfer it against our opponents."
- NZPA