Netball: Ferns change out of adidas kit

Netball New Zealand chief executive Raelene Castle. Photo / Supplied

The Silver Ferns have ditched adidas as their clothing supplier after signing a more lucrative deal with Canterbury of New Zealand.

As part of the three-year deal Canterbury will supply all match and training gear to the Silver Ferns as well as to all Netball New Zealand national squads and umpires.

Netball New Zealand had a deal with Canterbury as the long-term supplier to the Silver Ferns during the mid-90s until 2006.

Netball New Zealand chief executive Raelene Castle said going with a locally based supplier meant the specific needs of the individual players would now be easier to meet.

"It just allows us to grow and develop the court-wear the girls wear and to work together to make genuine technological advancements," said Castle.

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"And it's the little things as well like getting the right-length trackpants, for example. It all sounds a bit simplistic, but netballers are not the traditional shape and so they need a more individual approach when they get things made."

Castle refused to reveal how much the deal was worth but said it would mean more money for the Netball New Zealand coffers.

"It's a more financially beneficial arrangement."

The new match dress will not be unveiled until October, when the international season gets under way.

Netball New Zealand has yet to confirm the test schedule for 2012, but it is understood matches that were originally slated for late September have now been postponed until October, with the Constellation Cup series with Australia likely to be combined with a tri-series involving England.