Netball: Trans-Tasman dates confirmed

SYDNEY - For the first time in 25 years, Brisbane will host a trans-Tasman netball showdown when the world champion Silver Ferns take on Australia in July.

New Zealand will play the first of two tests against their arch rivals on July 22 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre before moving south to Sydney for the remaining clash three days later at the Sydney Super Dome.

Australia then travel to New Zealand in October to take part in a three-test series -- the last time the world's leading netball nations meet before the 2007 World Championships in Fiji nine months later.

Those tests will be hosted in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland on October 12, 14 and 16.

- NZPA