The competition will feature four of world netball’s top teams - 2015 World Cup winners Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa.

It comes as a result of a ground-breaking partnership between the countries, called SANZEA, which was established back in December.

The International Netball Super Series competition will begin on August 27 in Auckland with a double-header as the hosts take on England, while Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallists Australia face South Africa.

The tournament will then continue four days later in Hamilton when New Zealand play the South Africans, while Australia and England, bronze medallists at last year’s World Cup, will meet in Adelaide.

The inaugural Series will come to an emphatic close in Melbourne on September 4 with a repeat of the World Cup final between the home nation and the Silver Ferns, as well as England’s clash with the SPAR Proteas of South Africa.

A review will be undertaken after the initial two years, which could lead to further opportunities for the competition to grow, including the addition of other netball nations.

The most likely inclusion would be world number four Jamaica, the Commonwealth Games bronze medallists who have historically suffered funding difficulties.

“This is a ground-breaking initiative for netball,” England Netball chief executive Joanna Adams said. 

“The International Netball Super Series will allow fans across the world to witness regular, world class fixtures.

“It will showcase those at the pinnacle of the sport and highlight their immense talent.

“The SANZEA partnership was created to develop this world-class international competition and to inspire an increase in the strength of depth in the global game.

“England Netball is incredibly excited and we look forward to growing this partnership with our counterparts in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia; starting with the first ever International Netball Super Series.”