Quad Series cancelled, Constellation Cup Tests still planned in international netball

Netball's Quad Series has been cancelled due to COVID-19 but Australia and New Zealand intend to play the Constellation Cup Test series later this year.

International travel restrictions made the Quad Series - meant to feature England and South Africa playing in Australia and New Zealand during September - an impossible commitment.

With trans-Tasman travel far more certain, having already been undertaken by the NRL's Warriors, Australia and New Zealand remain committed to playing four Tests later this year after the completion of domestic competitions.

"With great disappointment, and after much deliberation and possible scenario planning, all four participating nations agreed that cancelling the 2020 Quad Series scheduled for September was the most viable option," Netball Australia's Executive General Manager of Performance, Stacey West, said in a statement on Sunday.

"It's a significant blow to our Diamonds program, we won't have an opportunity to play against the Roses and Proteas this year, however, we're hopeful that our team will make it on to the court for the Constellation Cup with the Silver Ferns later this year, depending on how the COVID-19 situation evolves in the coming months."

The Constellation Cup was originally scheduled for October, with two matches to be played in each country.

Australia's Super Netball competition is now scheduled to start on August 1, it was announced on Sunday, with plans for a full 60-game season. The fixture is yet to be revealed but spans 14 regular-season rounds plus three weeks for finals, with the grand final seemingly falling on November 22.

Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and England remain committed to the Quad Series concept, planning to schedule another tournament when the COVID-19 situation allows.