14 Jul 2021

Silver Ferns to defend Constellation Cup in October

12:12 pm on 14 July 2021

Netball New Zealand has confirmed the Silver Ferns will go up against the Australian Diamonds on both sides of the Tasman in October.

Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Dame Noeline Taurua Coach of the Silver Ferns with the Constellation Cup. 2021.

Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Dame Noeline Taurua with the Constellation Cup Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Silver Ferns will defend their Constellation Cup title when they meet the Diamonds in four Tests.

The rivalry resumes with Silver Ferns' first trip to Australia since late 2019, playing in Brisbane on 13 October and in Cairns four days later.

The Constellation Cup then moves to New Zealand where the two teams go head-to-head in Auckland on 21 October and in Wellington on 24 October.

Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennie Wyllie said there was plenty of world class netball to look forward to after such a disrupted international calendar last year.

"International netball is certainly back and it's exciting to be able to confirm the series with the opportunity to defend the Constellation Cup against our toughest rivals," she said.

"Heading overseas for the first time in two years is a significant milestone in what has been an uncertain time for international netball, and we can't wait for the Constellation Cup battle to resume."

"It's fantastic to have international netball return to Australia," Australia coach Stacey Marinkovich said.

"The last result was disappointing, but our new group took a number of learnings out of the series and we will continue to grow as we set our sights on bringing the Constellation Cup back to Australia."

"It has been a long time since netball fans have been able to watch live international netball in Australia, and we hope to have a huge home crowd advantage in Brisbane and Cairns."

The Silver Ferns ended a nine-year drought early this year in winning the Constellation Cup against the Diamonds in Christchurch, claiming the series 3-1.

A Ferns Squad will be announced on 10 August followed by a Silver Ferns team in early October.

Constellation Cup fixtures:

  • Wednesday 13 October - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
  • Sunday 17 October - Cairns Convention Centre
  • Thursday 21 October - Spark Arena in Auckland
  • Sunday 24 October - TSB Arena in Wellington