World Netball and Netball New Zealand have announced that the FAST5 Netball World Series is returning to the international calendar with New Zealand to host the fast-paced tournament for the next three years.
The agreement will see Christchurch host the tournament in both 2022 and 2023.
The world’s top ranked six teams will play the fast-moving condensed version of the game from the 4th-6th November 2022 at the Christchurch Arena.
Speaking on the announcement World Netball CEO, Clare Briegal, said: “New Zealanders are some of the most passionate and knowledgeable netball fans in the world and I feel it’s fitting to see our fun, festive tournament return to New Zealand at this time,
“The FAST5 Netball World Series has had incredible success and a strong following and we’re looking forward to seeing that growth continue over the next three editions.”
FAST5 is a modified version of the game featuring multiple point shots, double point power plays, five players-a-side and shortened quarters.
Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Jennie Wyllie said they were thrilled to be hosting the FAST5 Netball World Series and were looking forward to welcoming some of the game’s best international players to New Zealand.
“We’re really excited to be hosting this fast-paced tournament again – it is a real celebration of netball, on and off the court. Due to Covid-19 there have been challenges with delivering netball recently so what better way to welcome the return of FAST5 athletes than by hosting this event and welcoming the world’s best netballers to our shores,” she said.
In another significant move, the FAST5 tournament will take the opportunity to increase its reach and include men’s and youth exhibition matches on the schedule.
“This is another opportunity to showcase men’s netball on the international stage and also highlight the strength of our youth teams, utilising this condensed version of netball,” Wyllie said.
New Zealand last hosted the tournament in Auckland, 2014.
For more information on FAST5, click here.
