Netball series with Jamaica in disarray – 5 players unlikely to show

RNZ understands it is highly unlikely the five remaining members of the Jamaican team will join their team-mates in New Zealand, putting the series with the Silver Ferns into disarray.

The last time Jamaica played in New Zealand was in 2018 when they lifted the Taini Jamison Trophy from the Silver Ferns with a win in the series.
Photo: Photosport

Seven members of the Jamaican netball team, including acting captain Shimona Nelson, arrived in New Zealand this morning for the series against the Silver Ferns, which starts on Wednesday.

Visa issues meant the three Test series against the Silver Ferns had to be postponed and reduced to two tests.

It was expected the other five members of the team would touch down tomorrow but RNZ understands that Netball Jamaica have decided not to send the remaining players at all.

It’s believed visa issues are at the heart of it and by the time players were able to get a flight to New Zealand it would be too late for the first Test.

With just seven players here, the visitors just have the bare minimum and would have to play short if one of their players got injured.

It’s another headache for Netball New Zealand to deal and will hit them financially.

They may consider lending the Jamaican side players from the domestic league or Silver Ferns development squad.

But if the Sunshine Girls did use players outside of the team, then the games might not be considered official Tests.

At Auckland airport this morning Jamaica coach Connie Francis said it had been a difficult time.

“Right now we are hoping that we can get those five players who are left back home, the five youngsters to come in and help the seven that are here,” Francis said.

The first group took the direct flight from New York to Auckland but RNZ understands in an effort to avoid going through America, Netball Jamaica were trying to get the second group on a different route through Germany or Singapore.

The Jamaican team had been waiting to get travel visas for the US leg of their original itinerary.

Despite the struggles Francis said it felt good to arrive in New Zealand.

“It’s a long time since I’ve been here in this capacity. The last time was the 2007 World Cup so to come back here our team will only benefit from this experience.

“It is what it is, it comes down to the mental capacity. This tour has a lot of hiccups so can we be resilient especially with a young team to really go out there and put on a good show.”

Jamaica thrashed the Silver Ferns at the recent Commonwealth Games, where the Sunshine Girls came away with a historic silver medal.

Only three players from that side were named for the series against the Silver Ferns but Francis said it was an opportunity for younger players to get experience.

“We need to expose them at an early age to this type of netball because when I was a player I was also exposed very young to the different styles and that helped me to grow to be a better player.”

The last time Jamaica played in New Zealand was in 2018 when they lifted the Taini Jamison Trophy from the Silver Ferns with a win in the series which also included Fiji and Malawi.