Bond University Bullsharks praised for commitment to netball’s new Sapphire Series

Expect to see Bond University competing at the pointy end of the all-new Sapphire Series this year, if Netball Queensland boss Catherine Clark’s predictions are anything to go by.

EXPECT to see Bond University competing at the pointy end of the all-new Sapphire Series this year, if Netball Queensland boss Catherine Clark’s predictions are anything to go by.

Designed as a Queensland state competition with each of the seven teams having connections to a university, the Sapphire Series will start on June 23 and finish with a grand final on October 13.

“So the sapphire is the official gemstone of Queensland. The sapphire is not only a beautiful gemstone but it is second in hardness and toughness only to the diamond,” Clark explained of the name.

Catherine Clark (middle) at the Bond Business Leaders Forum.

“Well, we have the Australian Diamonds. My job is to create Sapphires to become Diamonds.”

Clark, a big fan of college and university sport who feels the competition will add value to campus life, has been impressed with Bond’s commitment.

“To give them credit, Bond were the first university to sign up so they have really stamped their claim on supporting women’s sport,” she said.

“I think the Bullsharks are a bit of a favourite to take out the inaugural Sapphire.”

The series follows women’s rugby union’s successful introduction of the Aon Uni Sevens Series, in which both Bond and Griffith University participate.