Wales Will Face World No 2 New Zealand In Commonwealth Games Netball Opener

Wales have been drawn in the same pool as England, Scotland and New Zealand at next April’s Commonwealth Games in Australia.

Malawi and Uganda make-up Wales’ opponents on the Gold Coast in Pool B where world no 2 New Zealand will be hot favourites.

Hosts and world No 1 Australia will face Jamaica, South Africa, Barbados, Fiji and Northern Ireland in Pool A.

Wales will get their campaign underway next April against the Silver Ferns who they lost 92-27 and 72-39 to in a two-test series in Cardiff in February.

The top two qualify for the semi-finals with the draw taking place today at Surfers Paradise beach.

International Netball Federation President Molly Rhone said: “We are confident that the GC2018 Netball Competition is going to be a fantastic showcase for our sport and a thrilling world class event.

“Now that the draw has taken place, excitement and anticipation is really mounting.

“We look forward to seeing our amazing athletes take to the court in April, to winning new friends for our sport, and to the success we know this competition will be for netball.”

Wales schedule: Apr 6: v New Zealand; 7: v Scotland; 9: v England; 10: v Uganda; 11: v Malawi.

The preliminary round matches which will be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre with the finals matches at the Coomera Indoor Sports Centre on April 14-15.