New Zealand have named a strong squad for their forthcoming international matches, including the Co-operative International Netball match against England at the University of Bath on Thursday 15 October.

The 15-strong squad includes Irene van Dyk, who has made more than 100 appearances for the mighty Silver Ferns and is rated as one of the world’s best shooters.

The squad is led by defender Casey Williams, who was named New Zealand captain in July and was a member of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medal winning squad.

Mid-courter Temepara George also features. She returned to action for the Silver Ferns this season after retiring from international netball two years ago. She played a key role in New Zealand’s World Championship and Commonwealth Games victories in 2003 and 2006 respectively and was named New Zealand’s vice-captain earlier this month.

George was a team-mate of Pamela Cookey, the TeamBath captain and England player, at the Waitakere-based Northern Mystics at the 2009 ANZ Championships.

“They’ve picked a pretty strong squad,” said Cookey. “The squad has a strong core and it should make it a really interesting contest. I’m sure we’ll get some great support playing at Bath.”

The full New Zealand squad is Liana Barrett-Chase, Temepara George (vice-captain), Katrina Grant, Paula Griffin, Joline Henry, Charlotte Kight, Laura Langman , Camilla Lees , Wendy Telfer, Anna Thompson, Maria Tutaia, Irene van Dyk, Larrissa Willcox, Casey Williams (captain). Training partner – Grace Rasmussen.

England’s match against New Zealand is part of a stunning week of sport at the University of Bath Sports Training Village. On Tuesday 13 October England’s netball team take on world champions Australia in a 7pm start.

Then on Thursday 15 October England’s netballers are back in action against Commonwealth champions New Zealand, again starting at 7pm.

The following day, on Friday 16 October, the England badminton team face Japan in the first senior international badminton match to be played at the University. It gets underway at 6.45pm.

The New Zealand netball squad will play at the World Netball Series in Manchester before the international fixture in Bath.

Tickets for all three fixtures are available by contacting 01225 384213, from the Sports Training Village reception or from the TeamBath store at http://www.teambathstore.com/

The University of Bath has one of the leading university sports departments in the UK. Under its TeamBath brand, its success is based on the expertise and dedication of staff, and its excellent facilities, used by the community and Olympic medal winners alike.

Members of the media who require further information can contact the TeamBath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd on (01225) 383518 or 01225 443998 or see the TeamBath website at www.teambath.com