Ferns to play England for Taini Jamison Trophy

England won the Taini Jamison Trophy in 2021
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Silver Ferns will play England in a three test series in September.

The two sides will play for the Taini Jamison Trophy. Jamison died last week at the age of 97.

The series will follow the World Cup in South Africa in July and August and precede the Constellation Cup series against Australia in October.

The Taini Jamison Trophy, introduced in 2008, was named as a tribute to the former Silver Ferns coach who was the first to lead New Zealand to World Cup victory in Perth in 1967 and is contested between the Silver Ferns and an international touring team, other than Australia.

NNZ Chief Executive Jennie Wyllie said it would be a very special series for the Silver Ferns where they would pay tribute to one of the most successful Silver Ferns coaches in history, following her recent passing.

“She has been such an influential figure in netball in New Zealand and I know England will join us in helping to celebrate her contributions when they play for the Taini Jamison Trophy later this year,” Wyllie said.

“I know she was very proud to have a trophy named in her honour. She was inspirational to many, no matter what level they played to, and it is a trophy that the Silver Ferns hold close to their heart.”

England Netball Director of Performance David Parsons said: “Any time that you take on the Silver Ferns you know that you are in for a challenge. They’re the current World Champions for a reason and this Series presents the Roses with another opportunity to benchmark their progress against one of the best teams in the world.

“Memories of our two recent series in New Zealand are still relatively fresh, especially our historic series win in the 2021 Taini Jamison Trophy as well as our two encounters at last year’s Commonwealth Games.

“There’s been little to call between the two nations recently, and this series should prove to be another competitive one at the start of a new cycle after the World Cup. We’re delighted to have been invited and can’t wait to go back.”

Christchurch will host the opening Test on 24 September before the series moves to Porirua (27 September) and Hamilton (30 September).