Netball: New host found for Fast5

Fast5 Ferns Laura Langman in action during the 2014 tournament. Photo / Chris Loufte

The International Netball Federation has found a new home for the Fast5 World Series, securing the future of the event for the next three years.

The tournament, which features a shortened format and modified rules, will be held in Melbourne from 2016-2018.

Held annually since 2009, the tournament was canned this year after international netball bosses struggled to find a new host to pick up the baton once their contract with Netball New Zealand ended following the 2014 event.

Auckland hosted the Fast5 World Series for three years from 2012-14, attracting strong crowds. But the commercial terms meant it was unsustainable for Netball NZ to continue to pick up the tab for the two-day tournament.

Prior to New Zealand's involvement the event was held in England.

INF President Molly Rhone said she believes the shortened form of the game will continue to grow in popularity under Netball Australia's stewardship.

"The Fast5 Netball World Series has been a phenomenal success and I have every confidence that Netball Australia will build on this and take it to the next level and to an even wider global audience," said Rhone.

Marne Fechner, Netball Australia's deputy chief executive, said being awarded the tournament is a vote of confidence her organisation can deliver world-class events after staging the Netball World Cup in Sydney earlier this year.

"The weekend is a celebration of netball with its party-like atmosphere off the court and exciting netball on the court, making it popular with players and fans around the world."

The tournament will be held at Hisense Arena in Melbourne Olympic Park, with the first tournament slated for the the weekend of October 29-30 next year.