New Zealand has lost out on hosting rights to the 2023 Netball World Cup this morning with their bid beaten by South Africa.

Netball New Zealand board chair Allison Ferguson says in a statement the announcement was a tough one to swallow.

TV NZ reports, instead, Cape Town will hold the World Cup in 2023 – the first time the tournament will be hosted by an African nation.

Ferguson congratulated South Africa on the achievement.

England will host this year’s World Cup in Liverpool when the event kicks off in July.