Central Pulse plug into Haier

The Central Pulse's hopes for improvement in the trans-Tasman netball championship lifted today with the announcement of Haier, the world's biggest major appliance brand, as naming rights sponsor.

The Pulse have been the weakest franchise in the championship, winning just one match in two seasons and had to be propped up financially by Netball New Zealand last season.

However, under head coach Yvette McCausland-Durie, the team will this season include internationals Jane Altschwager of Australia and Ama Agbeze of England along with Silver Fern Katrina Grant from the Southern Steel.

The three should form the core of the side along with Silver Ferns Paula Griffin and Camilla Lees.

The team will also benefit from the presence of former international skipper Waimarama Taumaunu who will stay on as technical adviser after joining the side late last season.

Taumaunu is currently Silver Ferns' assistant coach under Ruth Aitken.

Pulse chief executive Bridget Abernethy said: "We are very optimistic about the season ahead, and to have Haier with us as naming rights sponsor there is even more reason to feel positive."

Central Pulse open their season against Northern Mystics at Porirua on March 27.

- NZPA