The Southern Blast will live on, after Netball South reversed its decision to cull the team. Netball South has confirmed the Southern Blast will take part in this year’s National Netball League, which acts as a feeder competition to the ANZ Premiership. Late last year, Netball South emailed Blast players informing them the organisation would not be entering the team in the NNL this season. That sparked public backlash from former Blast coaches and staff, as well as netball centres within the Netball South zone, who were concerned about player pathways and limited opportunities. Netball South will now form a working group to identify alternative methods to reduce costs involved in the NNL.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 04, 2026 16:03 UTC