The trans-Tasman volleyball rivalry is set to get underway again when the New Zealand Volley Ferns meet the Australian Volleyroos Women’s side in a five-match series in Auckland.
The series, hosted with support from Harbour Volleyball and Manukau Auckland Volleyball Associations, will play over five consecutive nights from August 12-16 in two venues – Carmel College and Manurewa Netball Centre.
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The match-up sees the two senior sides face off against each other for the first time since they met in Wellington in 2019.
The Volley Ferns were last on the court in July 2023 with a series hosted by Chile.
Volley Ferns Head Coach Adam Watson says it will be great for his side to test themselves against the world 61st ranked team.
"This series is a fantastic opportunity and hopefully the beginning of a trans-Tasman test series that occurs regularly between the two teams,” said Watson.
“It's great for our athletes to get international calibre volleyball outside of Asian Championships, especially against Australia, a long-time New Zealand rival.
It's also great for a number of our junior women's players who have just returned from China to enter the next stage of their volleyball career alongside some of our top-level domestic players including the likes of Anilise Fitzi, and Katie Adamson who have been overseas on pro contracts."
Watson will name his Aotearoa side shortly
Meanwhile, Australia come into the series having played in the AVC Challenge Cup in Manilla in May, gaining a fourth-place finish.
Since then, the team has recently completed a 10-day camp in Japan with a Japanese University team.
Australian coach Russell Borgeaud said the series against New Zealand is an exciting opportunity for both teams.
“We have always had very tough matches with Kiwi teams, and this will be no different and I thank Volleyball NZ for the significant time and effort in making this a reality.”
Volleyball New Zealand CEO Steven Upfold said the series is signal of intent for the future focus of the organisation to deliver regular international competition for the country’s senior sides.
“Having Australia in Auckland is a great start on that journey and we’re looking forward to hosting the Volleyroos on and off the court in August.
Volley Ferns v Australian Volleyroos: August 12-16, 2024, Auckland, All matches 7pm start
Match 1: Carmel College, Monday 12 August, Match 2: Carmel College, Tuesday 13 August, Match 3: Carmel College, Wednesday 14 August, Match 4: Manurewa Netball Centre, Thursday 15 , Match 5: Manurewa Netball Centre, Friday 16 August