Diamonds top rankings

NETBALL’S rankings for next year’s Commonwealth Games will surprise nobody with hosts and defending champions Australia No.1.

The Diamonds top the list ahead of New Zealand’s Silver Ferns.

Nine months out from the games, the International Netball Federation has confirmed the 12 nations to compete on the Gold Coast, based on current world rankings.

Uganda will debut at this level having jumped to ninth in the rankings after victory at the Africa Netball Cup.

Scotland sneak in as the 12th qualifier, ahead of Trinidad and Tobago.

Australia beat New Zealand 58-40 in the 2014 final in Glasgow.