Football Ace Nia Jones Back On Netball Court For Wales

Nia Jones, a Wales netball and football international, is back on court to take on New Zealand’s Silver Ferns in Cardiff Bay.

Wrexham-born Jones, has returned to netball left English Women’s Super League One club Reading at the end of her contract in December.

The 24-year-old, who plays goal-defence or wing-defence, is in the Wales team who play the Ferns at Ice Arena Wales on Tuesday and again on Wednesday (7.30pm).

Wales, led by captain Suzy Drane, take on World number two team New Zealand in the Swansea University International Test Series.

The IAW, next to Cardiff’s international swimming pool, has a 3,000-plus capacity and a record-breaking attendance for a netball match in Wales is expected.

Wales under-21 squad’s Chloe James joins the senior line-up for the first time.

“The excitement has been building for this test series,” says Wales head coach Trish Wilcox.

“The players are relishing the opportunity to benchmark themselves against World class players in front of the largest home crowd to watch a game of netball in Wales.”

The final squad of 12, selected from a group of 16 after trials last weekend, form part of the long squad who are in preparation for the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia.

Maria Tutaia, who has more than 100 caps and is described by the Silver Ferns as ‘the most feared shooter in World netball’, will be a potent threat to Wales.

The matches are at Ice Arena Wales on Tuesday, February 7 and Wednesday, February 8 (7.30pm, doors open 6pm). Tickets will be on sale at the arena before the first centre pass.

New Zealand are playing in Wales for the first time in 20 years.

Silver Ferns: Katrina Grant (capt), Maria Tutaia (vice-capt), Gina Crampton, Shannon Francois, Anna Harrison, Kelly Jury, Bailey Mes, Grace Rasmussen, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Sam Sinclair, Jane Watson, Maia Wilson.

Wales: Sara Bell, Fern Davies, Suzy Drane (Captain), Bethan Dyke, Chloe James, Kyra Jones, Nia Jones, Lateisha Kidner, Chelsea Lewis, Kelly Morgan (Vice-Captain), Georgia Rowe, and Amanda Varey.

Cardiff-based Celtic Dragons open their 2017 Vitality Netball Superleague 2016-17 later this month when they are at home against Team Bath on Saturday, February 18 (4pm).

All Dragons’ home fixtures will be at the Wales National Sports Centre, Cardiff.

Suzy Drane returns for her 12th season with the Welsh team, along with Wales international team-mates Kelly Morgan, Kyra Jones, Sara Bell and Bethan Dyke.

Eleanor Roberts returns, having featured in the Dragons squad during 2014-15.

Attacker Kalifa McCollin from Trinidad and Tobago and New Zealand centre court player Stacey Peeters are additions to the team.

Young Welsh players Fern Davies, goal-shooter Lydia Hitchings and goal-keeper Leila Thomas have been added to the squad along with ex-England under-17 international Lois Rideout.

Dragons are among 10 teams in netball Superleague.