England to host 2031 Netball World Cup

England will host the Netball World Cup for the fourth time in 2031.

The quadrennial tournament will be held at Manchester's Co-op Live indoor arena, World Netball and England Netball announced on Thursday.

Liverpool staged the event when England last hosted in 2019.

World Netball president Liz Nicholl said: "After reviewing their strong bid, I am confident England Netball will host another thrilling international event, and I am excited to see what we can achieve together in 2031 and beyond."

Eastbourne put on the inaugural tournament in 1963, with Birmingham staging the 1995 edition.

England reached a World Cup final for the first time in 2023, but the Roses were denied a first title by 12-time winners Australia in Cape Town.

England also finished as runners-up in 1975, when the tournament was contested in a league format.

Baroness Sue Campbell, chair of England Netball, said: "To have the best netball players in the world coming to Manchester is a hugely exciting prospect, and I know the city will give them the welcome they deserve.

"This is a fantastic opportunity not only to showcase our sport on the biggest stage, but also to inspire the next generation of players and fans."

England Netball chief executive Fran Connolly said the tournament would provide "a powerful platform to grow the visibility, profile and impact of women's sport and netball across the UK".

The announcement comes in England Netball's centenary year.

The Co-op Live arena hosted this year's Netball Super League Grand Final between AO Thunder and London Pulse, which was played in front of more than 8,000 fans.