Townsville City Netball Association (team name TBA) will enter the Ruby North competition featuring the Far North Flames (Cairns),  Mackay Monarchs, and a Central Queensland team yet to be announced. It will bring together the top talents from these areas in a fiercely competitive format. Invitational teams from Pacific Island nations and other states may also be included, enhancing the competition's diversity, standard and reach.

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Set to begin in 2025, the Ruby North competition fills the void left by the withdrawal of the Northern Rays from the Sapphire Series in 2023. This departure highlighted a deficiency in pathways for regional athletes, a gap that Ruby North aims to address.

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Ruby North has been established to offer a clear and sustainable pathway for emerging athletes in Central and North Queensland and will focus on giving competitive netball opportunities within the region to allow athletes to live and play at home for longer.

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As part of our license agreements, the Flames, Townsville and Mackay will compete in the 16 and Under division at this year’s State Titles in Brisbane alongside Capricorn Claws and existing Sapphire Series clubs, showcasing the region’s best emerging talent ahead of the inaugural Ruby North season. Netball Queensland will directly coordinate a combined team entry for North Queensland in the 18 and Under division.

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Ruby North promises to elevate netball in Queensland to new heights, providing a platform for regional athletes to showcase their skills on a competitive stage while fostering growth and development within the sport.

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