Diamonds and Silver Ferns to compete for Constellation Cup

Netball Australia and Netball New Zealand have unveiled a new trophy, the Constellation Cup, which will be awarded each year to the country that wins the most international Tests between the Australian Diamonds and the New Zealand Silver Ferns.

The stunning silver cup, encrusted with 101 diamonds, and its accompanying display case of black maire, were crafted by artists on both sides of the Tasman.

The concept and creation of the Constellation Cup has been supported by the Governors General of both nations to recognise trans-Tasman netball between the two countries.

Australian Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, and New Zealand’s Governor-General, Sir Anand Satyanand, have worked together in partnership with Netball New Zealand and Netball Australia to develop the Cup concept. Both Governors-General will attend the first test match in Adelaide tomorrow (Sunday 29 August).

CEO of Netball Australia Kate Palmer said the Constellation Cup was a worthy symbol of the long tradition of intense rivalry and respect between two great netballing nations.

“The great constellation of the Crux, or Southern Cross, looks down on both countries and its stars have come to represent achievement, optimism, aspiration and timelessness. It is a source of shared passion, a common thread.

“The Cup is a symbol worth fighting for; it is prestigious, feminine and glamorous and to hold it is a source of intense pride a rare privilege.”

Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Raelene Castle said that both countries greatly appreciated the support of the two governors general in the development of this cup.

“We are excited about the legacy the Constellation Cup will leave for trans-Tasman rivalry and the history begins with this test series”, she said.

The Constellation Cup will be awarded for the first time to the overall winner of this year’s netball international test series between the Silver Ferns and the Australian Netball Diamonds.

The inaugural winner of the Constellation Cup will receive the trophy from Sir Anand at the conclusion of the third test match at Vector Arena in Auckland on Sunday 5 September.

The Australian Diamonds take on New Zealand’s Silver Ferns at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Sunday 29 August at 2.55pm. It is the Diamonds’ final match in Australia before two further Tests in New Zealand, with all games part of both teams’ preparation for the Commonwealth Games in October.
The matches this year that will determine the winner of the Constellation Cup are as follows:

Sunday 29 August, 2.55pm
Diamonds v Silver Ferns
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide

Thursday 2 September, 7.30pm
Silver Ferns v Diamonds
TSB Bank Arena, Wellington

Sunday 5 September, 4.00pm
Silver Ferns v Diamonds
Vector Arena, Auckland