International Netball Makes Long Awaited Return to Scotland in August

By Will Dunkerley

Netball Scotland are delighted to announce that we will host a series of friendly International training matches between the Scottish Thistles, Wales and Northern Ireland Warriors this August.

The much-anticipated action kicks off on Friday 20th until Sunday 22nd August at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena and will see each of the three Celtic nations compete against one another in their first run out as national sides since 2019. This event will also mark the Thistles’ first opportunity for international match play since Tamsin Greenway was announced as Scotland’s Head Coach in March 2020.

The Scottish Thistles, Wales and Northern Ireland Warriors are ranked 8th, 9th, and 11th in the World respectively and although these games will not be official ranking fixtures fans can be assured that on court rivalries will be reactivated and all teams will be looking to dominate over the weekend.

After nearly two years without international match play all three nations are keen to get back onto court and into competition, and these games will provide crucial preparation for players and their coaches as they prepare to qualify for, and perform at, the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Scottish Thistles Head Coach, Tamsin Greenway:

‘After such a strange initial 18 months in the role I’m so excited to finally be able to confirm match play for our Scottish Thistles. It has been such a long time since this group has stepped out together as a national side against international opposition. I know all three teams will be very happy to be back out on court and we are looking forward to the challenge of the competition. It is the first step for us as we build up to next year’s Commonwealth Games, and will give me a real opportunity to work with the players, develop combinations and just be together as a group.’

Northern Ireland Warriors Head Coach, Elaine Rice:

‘Our Warriors are excited to get back on court to assess where we are and what we need to do to ensure qualification for Commonwealth Games. We are fortunate that we are now in a position to compete. We always relish our rivalries with Scotland and Wales, so we will enjoy our training knowing these games are coming up.’

Welsh Netball Head Coach, Sara Hale:

‘It is really pleasing to have friendly competition in the calendar against both Scotland and NI. It will not only be a welcome return to international netball, but also an exciting opportunity for us to expose players and assess where we are as a group, ahead of what is a crucial year for us.’

Further details to be announced in due course.

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