The upcoming series between the Diamonds and Roses as been cancelled. (Photo: Australian Diamonds)
The series between the Australian Diamonds and England Roses has been cancelled due to the implications surrounding the closure of the trans-Tasman travel bubble.
The exact dates and venues for the series hadn’t been confirmed as Netball Australia worked to get the Roses let into the country.
The Roses had previously completed a 14-day quarantine in Christchurch from August 27, ahead of their series with the New Zealand Silver Ferns.
The cancellation just comes days after the Roses groundbreaking series win over the New Zealand Silver Ferns, which was the first time the Roses have won a series on New Zealand soil.
The Roses had planned on coming into Australia through the trans-Tasman travel bubble but that was closed by the Australian Government on August 31.
In consultation with state governments, Netball Australia has been progressing quarantine plans to meet the federal government’s 14-day quarantine requirements.
The series was cancelled due to a number of factors, including the health and wellbeing of athletes, coaches and high performance and support staff and limited preparation for a series between two of the world’s best netball nations.
The Roses who are based in the UK will return to England in the coming days, While the Diamonds remain on the Sunshine Coast for a two-week training camp.
More Netball News
Laura ready to light up the Lightning again in 2022
Horjus named Thunderbirds Champion at Netball SA Gala
Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan said navigating elite sport and international competition during the coronavirus pandemic was a constant challenge.
“We are incredibly disappointed that this series will not go ahead,” Ryan said.
“We thank Netball England, Netball New Zealand and the state and federal governments for their support and unwavering commitment to play this series.
“The evolving COVID-19 restrictions meant that the Roses would have completed two quarantine periods during the series, which has significant impacts on health and wellbeing and performance.
“I am proud of Diamonds head coach Stacey Marinkovich and our athletes and staff for their commitment, resilience and understanding during these uncertain times.
“This program wouldn’t be possible without our fantastic partners who continue to stand by us as we navigate elite sport during a global pandemic, including naming rights partner Origin Energy and major partners Nissan, Suncorp and Woolworths.
“The Origin Australian Diamonds will make the most of their two-week training camp on the Sunshine Coast, with match-play and fan engagement opportunities to be worked through in the coming days.”
Subscribe to our newsletter!
About Author
