Skipper Drane Will Lead Wales In Two-Match Series Against New Zealand

Suzy Drane will skipper Wales in the Swansea University International Test series against New Zealand in Cardiff on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Drane will lead a 12-strong squad against the world ranked No 2 Silver Ferns at the Ice Arena Wales.

The games at the 3,000-capacity home of the Cardiff Devils ice hockey team will be the biggest ever staged in Wales.

Head Coach Trish Wilcox believes facing the mighty Silver Ferns will be a huge boost for Wales as they look to next year’s Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in Australia.

Wilcox said: “The excitement has been building for this test series since trials last weekend.

“We have had a really productive camp this weekend and all players have pushed for a place in the final twelve.

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

The squad has been chosen from the long squad that is preparing for the Games in just 14 months time.

It includes Chloe James who will be looking to make her senior bow after stepping up from the Wales under 21’s squad.

The games mark the first time New Zealand have played in Wales for two decades.

Wales squad: 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.