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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Katie Sands

Wales netball to compete at Commonwealth Games this summer after climbing to eighth in world rankings

Wales will compete in the Commonwealth Games after World Netball and the Commonwealth Games federation confirmed the final line-up for the 2022 event in Birmingham.

Wales have been named alongside Uganda, Scotland, Trinidad and Tobago, Northern Ireland and Barbados after rising one place to a new position of eighth in the world rankings.

They join Australia, New Zealand, England, Malawi, Jamaica and South Africa in competing for gold.

The Commonwealth Games will be staged in Birmingham between Thursday, July 28, and Monday, August 8, with the NEC Arena hosting the netball.

Wales netball is the highest-ranked mainstream female sports team in Wales.

Wales seniors head coach Sara Moore said: "It is really pleasing to have confirmation of our qualification for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham 2022.

"As a group we have been transparent about our aspirations and targets and qualifying for Commonwealth Games was one of those, so it’s great to have achieved that.

"Wales Netball absolutely need to have a team represented in every major tournament moving forward, whether that’s a Commonwealth Game or a World Cup, and as a group we are committed to delivering that. It’s a fantastic achievement for the team, and for Wales.

"I continue to be incredibly proud of the professionalism, commitment, resilience, and desire to achieve shown by the athletes and support staff that represent the Wales senior squad. Each one of them deserves full credit for their contribution to this fantastic achievement.

"Having a home Commonwealth Games in the UK is always special, and we are really looking forward to regrouping in the summer to start our preparations, ahead of what I’m sure will be a spectacular event."

Wales Netball’s CEO Vicki Sutton added: "The confirmation of our place in the 2022 Commonwealth Games is such positive news for the netball family here in Wales.

"To be able to watch such a talented group of athletes and management compete on the world stage will be a source of much pride for all those who play, administrate and watch our sport.

"The squad have gone from strength to strength through a difficult few years and under the guidance of Sara Moore they are all set to do all they can to improve on our current world ranking in Birmingham.

"The Commonwealth Games will be watched by thousands of current and future netballers in Wales and around the world. I am confident our squad will inspire all of them to grab a netball and give it a go."

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