Looking ahead to the Fast5 Netball World Series

This weekend, a young group of Vitality Roses will take part in the Fast5 Netball World Series.Taking place in Christchurch, New Zealand, the tournament returns after a four-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.What is Fast5?Introduced in 2009, Fast5 is the newest format of netball played with five players on each team, shorter quarters, double point power plays and multiple point shots, enabling shooters to take aim from range.The Series was first held in England from 2009-2011. Since its inception, New Zealand and England are the only two sides to have won the competition with the Silver Ferns boasting seven wins to the Vitality Roses’ two. Australia and Jamaica have both finished runners-up on three occasions.Who’s taking part? The world’s top six teams – Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, England, South Africa and Uganda – will play in 18 matches across the two-day contest at the Christchurch Arena.For the first time ever, three men’s teams will also be taking part in a men’s competition. Australia, New Zealand and England will all face each other over the weekend.The Vitality RosesThe Vitality Roses will be led by London Pulse defender Zara Everitt who last month picked up her first senior international cap against the Uganda She Cranes.She will be joined by fellow Pulse teammate Ellie Rattu – who also picked up her first senior cap – as well as Elle McDonald who has been selected into an England squad for the first time.McDonald, who has moved from the Adelaide Thunderbirds to Leeds Rhinos in the Netball Super League ahead of the 2023 season, trained with the Future Roses last month and Vitality Roses Head Coach Jess Thirlby is looking forward to seeing more of her in action.“She obviously comes with that real Aussie grit and a great consistency – ball speed, hand speed, quick movement – all of the characteristics we come to know and love, but not when we’re playing against them [Australia] in terms of the Aussie midcourters so she’s been a really welcome addition.“Fast5 allows her to get some match minutes on an international stage and put on that centre bib, which you could say is a bit brutal but I think in some ways we’ll find out a lot of information quickly which I think will be good for her and us.”

Where to watch (UK dates and times)UK and international viewers can watch all the games live on Netball Pass. Viewers can register to the online platform for free at: netballpass.comCompetition schedule (UK dates and times)Friday 4 November11:30pm – Australia v JamaicaSaturday 5 November12:15am – New Zealand v Uganda1:00am – England v South Africa1:45am – Australia Men v England Men2:30am – Jamaica v Uganda3:15am – South Africa v Australia4:45am – New Zealand v England5:30am – New Zealand Men v Australia Men6:15am – South Africa v Jamaica7:00am – England v Uganda7:45am – New Zealand v Australia11:00pm – Jamaica v England11:45pm – Uganda v AustraliaSunday 6 November12:30am – New Zealand v South Africa1:15am – New Zealand Men v England Men2:00am – Australia v England2:45am – New Zealand v Jamaica3:30am – Uganda v South Africa4:20am – Men’s 1^st v Men’s Second5:10am – Play-off 5^th/6^th6:00am – Play-off 3^rd/4^th6:50am – Gold Medal Match