Welsh netballer Elin Leyshon has come to Auckland to learn the secret of New Zealand's success.
Leyshon said it was well known in Britain that New Zealand netballers were in a different league, with skills and systems that overseas players wanted to emulate.
While competing in the under-21 World Cup
in Florida last year, Leyshon, 22, said she was blown away by the talent of the New Zealand winning team.
"The fast moving and dynamic netball style of the Southern Hemisphere is impressive," she said.
"They have more risky balls and more emphasis on team."
She decided that in order to improve her game to the same extent, she would need to come to New Zealand to find out more.
Leyshon approached the British Government agency UK Sport, which agreed to part-fund her trip in return for her work.
That research involves video documentaries of all the things that affect a young New Zealand sportsperson's life, including social, sports and academic ventures.
She also interviews coaches, records games, and takes note of coaching strategies.
And she plays in the Auckland premier division for one of the Carlton club's two teams.
Raewyn Henry, former coach of Wales and wife of All Black coach Graham, is head coach at the club.
Henry coached the Welsh national team from 1999 to 2003 and her remarkable improvements to the national team, and Welsh netball in general, are other reasons Leyshon decided to come to New Zealand.
"I am learning a lot and am still constantly learning. I'll take the enthusiasm I have gained for the game back to Wales with me."
Leyshon is working at the new, enlarged Auckland Netball Centre in Mt Wellington, which comprises 26 outdoor and three indoor courts.
She returns to Wales and to present her research to UK Sport in August and her hope is that Welsh netball will reach the standard where one day its players can be competitive against New Zealand's.
