England Netball has cancelled its planned three-test series in Australia next month due to the ongoing impact of coronavirus restrictions.
Sky News reports that the Vitality Roses are currently in New Zealand having completed a series victory, but talks to continue the tour had stalled.
England Netball said in a statement: “A planned international test series between the Vitality Roses and the Australian Diamonds is unable to go ahead due to the evolving Covid-19 restrictions in Australia, and the implications of Government regulations relating to travel and quarantine.”
The statement confirmed that the Roses were due to travel to Australia to compete in a further three fixtures during October, but despite efforts by Netball England and Netball Australia to navigate the changing COVID-19 restrictions to make the series possible, the Vitality Roses will be returning home soon.
Already some of the toughest quarantine requirements in the world, the requirements in Australia increased in the wake of the team’s departure for New Zealand, which raised concerns over player welfare and aspects such as training.
England Netball performance director David Parson said: “The athletes, performance team and everyone at England Netball are extremely disappointed that this series is not able to go ahead.
“Everyone had been so excited about the opportunity to take on the Diamonds and demonstrate the progress that we’ve been making as a team.”
The quarantine requirements may also affect England’s cricket team, who are currently waiting to learn of the restrictions and requirements that will be imposed during the upcoming Ashes series.
Australian premier Scott Morrison has warned of ‘no special deals’ for visiting sports stars.
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