The Giants' netball presence in Canberra could be wiped out early as Super Netball becomes the latest competition postponed due to the mounting coronavirus crisis.
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The 2020 season due to start on May 2 has been deferred until at least June 30 as officials work to slow the spread of the virus which is derailing sports around the world.
The Giants were scheduled to host the Queensland Firebirds at the AIS Arena on May 30 to mark the final instalment of a three-year deal between Netball NSW and the ACT government.
But now officials will have to head back to the drawing board if they are to bring the Giants back in the final year of their deal before the Sunshine Coast make Canberra their second home next year.
Club training has been suspended for the short-term while the season could be delayed further when officials reconvene at the end of May to reassess the rapidly evolving situation.
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The Australian Netball League season has also been postponed until at least June 30 in a blanket ban which will momentarily halt the return of the Darters brand.
The Capital Darters, an affiliate of the Sunshine Coast, were slated to return to the second-tier competition in a move designed to give ACT-based players a pathway to the top level.
Netball ACT joined forces with the Sunshine Coast Lightning late last year to introduce a joint-venture team into the national competition.
But they will have to wait before they take to the court with the ANL following in the footsteps of the Super Netball League Commission.
The decision to delay the season opener took into account the latest COVID-19 medical and government advice as part of efforts to protect the health and wellbeing of fans, athletes, staff and the broader community.
Netball Australia is also working with the nations involved in the 2020 Quad Series and Constellation Cup to determine what happens in relation to those matches due to take place in September and October respectively.
Netball ACT have cancelled all community netball competitions due to the coronavirus threat.
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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Caden Helmers
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
