New NZ netball comp run over three months

Nov 14, 2016 - 11:21 PM Teams will have little respite in the inaugural New Zealand elite netball league next year.

Details of the new-look competition were unveiled on Tuesday, with six teams to contest an intense three-month competition which replaces the trans-Tasman league.

A "Super Sunday" opening round features three matches in Hamilton on the same day, on March 26.

The teams face each of their opponents three times in an intense schedule which features some double-game rounds. There are no bye weeks.

The teams ranked second and third after the 45-match regular season will contest an elimination final on June 25.

The winners of that advance to play the top qualifiers in a grand final three days later, on a Wednesday night.

The five teams who contested the trans-Tasman league for its nine seasons have been joined by a new entity, the Northern Stars, based in south Auckland.

There are three "Super Sunday" rounds, in Hamilton (round one), Invercargill (round six) and Auckland (round 12).

All matches are played on Monday, Wednesday or Sunday.

Netball NZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie hopes the schedule will capture the imagination of supporters.

"The ANZ Premiership signals the start of a new era for netball in New Zealand," she said.

"We can't wait to showcase the athletes, the teams and the league to fans all over the world."

Source: AAP