This weekend marks the return of the Netball Superleague in the UK, and the first time teams can play home and away matches at their own venues since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Last season games were played at a central venue to minimise the risk of players and staff contracting the virus but this season only a handful of matches will be played at a singular arena, including the first two round which will be televised on Sky Sports from Birmingham’s Resorts World Arena.
Leeds Rhinos who only entered the league last season have never played in their namesake city due to the protocols in place last season, but that will all change as they host Team Bath in the Yorkshire city in the third round – after their two opening matches in Birmingham.
There are 11 teams, including Manchester Thunder, Saracens Mavericks and last year’s champions Loughborough Lightning, who will battle it out across the season before the Grand Final match on June 5th, where the 2022 winners will be crowned.
This season will have a different feel to it as the Commonwealth Games, where England will be hoping to defend their title, take place in Birmingham from the end of July, therefore players will be showcasing their best netball in the hopes of getting that national call-up.
London Pulse and Loughborough Lightning, who will be aiming to defend their title from last year, kick off the new season on Saturday February 5th and chair of the Vitality Netball Superleague, Steve Elworthy, can’t wait for the season to get underway.
He said: “We are excited to announce plans for the upcoming Vitality Netball Superleague 2022 season, as we look to build upon the success of such a landmark season in 2021.
“With clubs returning to home venues, and fans able to return to support their teams and enjoy live match action once again, it promises to be another exciting season ahead for the league and everyone involved in making it a success cannot wait to get it under way.”
Words by Lucy Roberts for Female First, who you can follow on Twitter, @Lucy_Roberts_72.
MORE FROM SPORT: The inside story on how to become a tennis star