England squad announced for the Australia and New Test Series 2008

England Netball’s National Selectors and the Head Coach, Sue Hawkins, have named 15 players for the Test Series taking place in Australia and New Zealand this October.

The selected English squad will compete for World Ranking points, with the ultimate aim of overtaking Australia and New Zealand’s current ranking of number one and two in the world. 

"We have selected a young and enthusiastic side that is ready to take on the challenge of Australia and New Zealand,” said Sue.

“We have included a great mix of experience and skill and I feel confident that the players selected are ready to play at the next level.”

The tour will see six players returning to Australia for the second time this year, after playing in the ANZ Championships. “The ANZ Championships allowed the players to gain a great deal of experience and knowledge of the best that Australia and New Zealand has to offer. They know what is expected of them which is a huge step in the right direction,” added Sue.

The tour will take Sue back to familiar territory, having lived and coached in Australia and New Zealand for a number of years. This will be Sue’s first trip back to Australia as England Netball Coach. 

The tour will kick off in Australia with Test matches in New South Wales and Adelaide, before moving onto New Zealand with matches on both the North and the South Island.

Dates and venues:

Oct 4^th England v Australia – Newcastle (NSW)

Oct 8^th England v Australia – Adelaide (South)

Oct 13^th England v New Zealand – Auckland (North Island)

Oct 15^th  England v New Zealand – Dunedin (South Island)

Oct 18^th England v New Zealand – Palmerston North (North Island)

The England Netball Touring Squad 2008/2009