Background and
Quentin Bryce AC, attending the first test of the inaugural
2010 Constellation Cup series played at the
Adelaide Entertainment Centre. The Constellation Cup was introduced by
Netball Australia and
Netball New Zealand with the support of the offices of the
Governor-General of Australia and the
Governor-General of New Zealand. The concept was inspired by the
Bledisloe Cup, a similar competition featuring the
Australia and
New Zealand national rugby union teams. The Governor-General of New Zealand,
Sir Anand Satyanand, stated: Almost 80 years ago,
Lord Bledisloe, one of my predecessors as Governor-General gifted the cup that bears his name and which has come to symbolise
rivalry on the rugby field between Australia and New Zealand. The Constellation Cup will provide an equally enduring focus for netballers on both sides of the
Tasman and recognise the wide participation in the sport.
Trophy , presents the Constellation Cup to the
Australia captain,
Sharelle McMahon The Constellation Cup is named after the
Southern Cross constellation which is featured on both the
flag of Australia and the
flag of New Zealand. The trophy itself consists of a 3 kilogram
sterling silver cup encrusted with 101
diamonds, which equates to 3.38
carats. The display case is crafted from
black maire. Its design was a collaboration between
Australian designer Michael Wilson, who made the Cup, and the
New Zealand master craftsman Vic Matthews, who made the display case. The base of the trophy is made out of 5,000 year old ancient
Murray River red gum and in total it stands at 47.3 cm tall. The transportation box, which houses the Constellation Cup and display case, includes leather from the Distinguished Visitor's chair from the
Australian Senate Chamber. The following words are inscribed on the display case of the Constellation Cup: The great constellation of the southern sky, the Crux, or Southern Cross, shines down on Australians and New Zealanders, and has provided guidance and inspiration to them across the ages. A source of pride to both nations, its bright stars have come to represent achievement, optimism, aspiration and timelessness. Both countries claim the Southern Cross as their own, and it adorns the national flags of each. In netball, there is no fiercer rivalry than that between the Australian Diamonds and New Zealand’s Silver Ferns. The battle for supremacy on the court has been waged since 1938. This Constellation Cup is the perpetual trophy and symbol of that intense rivalry and the respect between these two great netballing nations. Forged from silver, to represent New Zealand’s Silver Ferns, and studded with diamonds to represent the Australian Netball Diamonds, this cup represents the pinnacle of Australian and New Zealand netball. It is a symbol worth fighting for, with the pride of each nation at stake. To hold this cup is a privilege.
Series ;Notes • In
2015, Australia won 202–200 on
aggregate. • In
2019, Australia won 206–195 on aggregate. • The 2020 series was cancelled due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. • In
2022, Australia won 215–208 on aggregate. • In
2023, Australia won 208–195 on aggregate. • In
2025, Australia defeated New Zealand 12–11 in a Series Decider. ==References==