Quad Series off but Ferns may still play Aussie series

Netball’s Quad Series has been cancelled due to the impact of Covid-19 on international travel, although it’s not all bad news for the Silver Ferns.

The annual four-match Constellation Cup series between the Silver Ferns and Australian Diamonds is still being planned for the end of 2020.

The series between the transtasman rivals is expected to take place after the two nations’ domestic leagues and pending travel being permitted across the Tasman.

Netball returns to action in New Zealand on June 19 with the 10-week ANZ Premiership season.

The Quad Series, which features South Africa, England, Australia and New Zealand, was to be played in New Zealand and Australia in September.

Netball New Zealand head of high performance Keir Hansen said it was disappointing to not have the Netball Quad Series this year but player and fan safety was the No 1 priority.

The Cadbury Netball Series will return, however, which sees the New

Zealand men’s side square off against their female counterparts.

“All four participating nations have together looked at various scenarios to see if we could make it work. However, we all agreed that due to impact of Covid-19 on international travel, cancelling the 2020 Netball Quad Series scheduled for September was the only option.

“Last year, we hosted a very successful Cadbury Netball Series that included the NZ Men’s Invitational team and the All Stars side.

“We are now considering all our options for our Cadbury Netball Series which would likely be scheduled in October, and depending on travel restrictions, then the Constellation Cup once Australia finish their domestic League.”

New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and England will continue to meet regularly while monitoring the impact of Covid-19 and to determine when and how the four nations will be able to schedule the next Quad Series.