Constellation Cup: Series under cloud, as new Netball Australia chief executive reveals trans-Tasman challenges

COVID-19 could force the cancellation of next month's Constellation Cup between the Silver Ferns and Australian Diamonds, with Netball Australia's new boss casting doubt on the series.

The four-test series is currently scheduled from October 13-24, with Brisbane, Cairns, Auckland and Wellington intended as venues, but the outbreak of COVID-19's Delta variant on both sides of the Tasman will likely force a re-think on how the series can be played, with travel severely restricted.

Netball Australia chief executive Kelly Ryan says her organisation and Netball NZ are in regular dialogue over how the series can still be played in 2021.

"We have conversations multiple times a day on all the moving parts that go with this," Ryan told Australia's News Corp.

"We're still doing everything in our power to keep it alive, but obviously it's incredibly challenging, given the COVID situation here and also now New Zealand, and the closure of the trans-Tasman bubble has made it even more problematic than previously."

Those restrictions would mean one or both sets of players would have to quarantine after arrival into the other country, impacting training and preparation.

"The reality is New Zealand coming in, quarantining 14 days here, and having to go home and quarantine for another 14 days is not ideal," Ryan adds. "You can't expect just to come out of your quarantine and be able to play a good game.

"Ideally, you need another two weeks of conditioning, so you've got 28 days of quarantine, plus maybe another 14 days trying to get your body right for a series of games across a week.

"It doesn't really stack up in that regard from a welfare or financial perspective, to be honest."

Meanwhile, the Silver Ferns are preparing to face England later this month, with the Roses already in New Zealand and under quarantine.

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