Y Tîm Pêl-rwyd yn ennill ei le ar gyfer Birmingham 2022!
Wales Netball join the list of qualifiers for this summer’s games
The Commonwealth Games Federation confirmed today that Team Wales Netball has officially qualified for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The Welsh Netball team follow Hockey, who was also announced this week. Netball has appeared in every games since making its debut in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.
“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.” – Vicki Sutton, CEO Wales Netball
The Welsh team are currently 8th in the world rankings, having climbed one place this week following World Netball’s announcement. Wales will join Uganda, Scotland, Trinidad and Tobago, Northern Ireland and Barbados in the final 12. Top seeds Australia, New Zealand, reigning Champions England, Jamaica, and Malawi officially qualified last year.
“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 CWG 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.” – Sara Moore, Head of Elite and Head Coach of Wales Netball
It’s been a challenging period for Wales Netball, ensuring they play enough matches to remain within the top 12 in the World. Earlier this year they hosted the Isle of Man, Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar in the Quad Series, in which they successfully secured their place at Birmingham.
Chris Jenkins, CEO, Commonwealth Games Wales said “Wales Netball have shown their resilience over the last few years through the pandemic, to not only qualify for Birmingham, but to climb higher in the World rankings. Once again it’s a testament to Sara and her team of staff and players. It’s been an exciting week for Wales – seeing teams starting to qualify. We look forward to seeing the players on court flying the flag for Wales.“
You can read the full list of qualified teams here
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