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