Netball’s Constellation Cup has been postponed until next year, after both Netball New Zealand and Netball Australia opted to reschedule the annual trans-Tasman event.
The two nations have made the joint decision based on several factors, including COVID-19 requirements and player welfare.
Australia’s Super Netball league does not finish until October 18, and their national players needed sufficient time to rest and recover after a demanding season, while quarantine requirements on both sides of the Tasman have provided another huge obstacle.
"We're pretty disappointed," Netball NZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie tells Newshub. "We would've loved to have had the Constellation Cup this side of Christmas.
"If you look at the timing alongside the quarantine requirements on this side of the Tasman and back in Australia, it just wasn't meant to be."
Further discussions on when the competition will take place are underway, with January and February the targetted timeframe.
Netball NZ head of high performance Keir Hansen says they will continue to explore options to face the Australian Diamonds early next year.
"While it is disappointing not to be able to meet the Diamonds this year, we understand that in a year such as this prioritising athlete welfare is paramount,” Hansen says.
Hansen says other opportunities for international fixtures are being explored.
"There are many factors we must take into account, but we are hopeful of resuming international netball against our long-standing rivals as soon as possible."
Next month, the Silver Ferns will contest a quad series against NZ A, NZ Men and NZ U21 sides.
Netball NZ also hopes for a Taini Jamison Trophy series before the end of the year. Named after a legendary NZ coach, the trophy is awarded in international competition against any nation - apart from Australia - in New Zealand.
Jamaican currently hold the trophy, after their 2018 success.
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