Haier Pulse supporters will get an early glimpse of two of the key new signings for the 2013 ANZ Netball Championship with the World Premier Club Challenge set to be streamed live on the internet.
Former Silver Fern Liana Leota and ANZ Championship newcomer Claire Kersten form part ofthe Invitational Haier Central Pulse team to play at the new Emirates Arena in Glasgow, along with last season's campaigners Caitlin Thwaites, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickett, Victoria Smith, Daya Wiffen and Amber Bellringer. Te Amo Amaru-Tibble, Nicola Mackle and Stacey McFeeters complete the line-up.
Kersten has close Wairarapa connections, being the daughter of Rathkleale College principal Willy Kersten and Hadlow School teacher Ali Kersten.
Haier Pulse coach Robyn Broughton said the invitation to participate in the Glasgow World Premier Club Challenge (WPCC) was an honour and a great opportunity for some of the team's younger players to gain international experience.
"The generous sponsorship by Glasgow Life has made the trip possible and we are grateful for their assistance," she said.
"We are also extremely grateful to the local support from our fans and all the help with fundraising for the trip. This has ensured that our players have been able to cover the additional costs.
"I am sure that our players will benefit from the tournament and of course the Haier Central Pulse franchise gains from having a wider pool of players who have played internationally."
Broughton said it was a pity the Pulse's Silver Fern players could not participate but travelling to Scotland would have placed a burden on them after their busy season.
The inaugural WPPC tournament will start today and runs to Monday and showcases six leading netball teams from both hemispheres: Glasgow Wildcats (Scotland), West Coast Fever (Australia), Invitational Haier Central Pulse (New Zealand), Northern Thunder (England), Surrey Storm (England) and the Northern Panthers (Northern Ireland).
Haier Pulse fans can watch the games live at http://www.planet-netball.com/ thanks to Glasgow-based event broadcaster QuipuTV who will be filming all 15 matches as well as video interviews with coaches and players during the tournament.
