Softball: NZ returns to tri-series

New Zealand will make a much-needed return to the international women's softball diamond in a tri-series at Christchurch in January.

A World All Stars line-up and Japan will be tough opposition for the White Sox as they continue to build towards their long-term goal of the 2006 world championships.

The All Stars team will be a mixture of overseas-based players and athletes on the fringe of selection for the New Zealand team.

The tri-series will be held from January 14-16, with the teams playing each other twice over the opening two days before the playoffs on the Sunday.

After missing out on qualifying for this year's Olympic Games, White Sox coach Mike Walsh said the opportunity to play international-level softball was critical for the development of the game here.