The Silver Ferns’ preparations for the 2023 Netball World Cup are set to continue with a much-anticipated Cadbury Netball Series against Jamaica for the Taini Jamison Trophy.

Netball New Zealand has confirmed it will host the Sunshine Girls for the first time since 2018 when the two nations play for the coveted trophy in September.

The two teams go back-to-back on 17 and 18 September at GLOBOX Arena, Claudelands in Hamilton before the series concludes at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland on 21 September.

Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua said she was excited to go head-to-head with the Sunshine Girls in a three-match series for the first time as head coach, and the Taini Jamison Trophy added to an already bumper calendar for her side this year.

“International netball has been disrupted over the past few seasons, so we feel extremely fortunate to have secured the Cadbury Netball Series against the Jamaican Sunshine Girls in New Zealand, adding to an international calendar that already includes the Commonwealth Games and the Constellation Cup against Australia,” she said.

“Jamaica won the Taini Jamison Trophy the last time they were in New Zealand, and I have no doubt they will bring that tough aerial game they are so well-known for. World-class athletes like Jhaniele Fowler, Shamera Sterling and Shimona Nelson will certainly add to the challenge for the Silver Ferns.

“This series provides that competition we are looking for with a pinnacle event next year and is another opportunity for our leading athletes to stake their claim for a ticket to South Africa for the 2023 Netball World Cup.”

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. Their most recent meeting was in England, two years ago, when the Silver Ferns beat the Sunshine Girls at the Vitality Netball Nations Cup.

Tickets for the series will go on sale later this month.

Cadbury Netball Series – Taini Jamison Trophy:

Saturday 17 September - GLOBOX Arena, Claudelands, Hamilton
Sunday 18 September - GLOBOX Arena, Claudelands, Hamilton
Wednesday 21 September - Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland