2020 ANZ Premiership season postponed for two weeks

2020 ANZ Premiership season postponed for two weeks

20 March, 2020 

Netball New Zealand has made the decision to postpone the 2020 ANZ Premiership for two weeks due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The decision was made following the Government's announcement yesterday on further restrictions to public events of over 100, to be cancelled.

``We can confirm we are continuing to follow advice from the Ministry of Health and working with our various stakeholders and can confirm that we are postponing Rounds 2 and 3 (due to be played on March 22 and 29) of the ANZ Premiership,’’ Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse CEO Fran Scholey said.

``The key thing is that we are collectively committed to resuming the competition as quickly as possible - sport is such an important part of our landscape and how we connect socially. We have an amazing product and one that we are committed to.

``The health and safety of our people and communities is our primary focus, so please follow all hygiene practices. We all have a very real responsibility to ensure that we stop the spread of Covid19.’’

Netball NZ Chief Executive Jennie Wyllie said the decision has been made due to uncertainty in a rapidly changing environment and the desire to protect the welfare and wellbeing of players, staff and volunteers.

“Protecting the health of our netball players, officials, volunteers and staff is our number one priority, and that means we need to consider their welfare and wellbeing alongside the advice of Ministry of Health and Government,” she said.

“We will continue to monitor the situation in New Zealand and follow the information and consultation with the appropriate channels,” she said. 

“We understand it is disappointing for all of those involved and our fans, but safety is our top priority. We would also like to acknowledge the incredible support of our partners at this time and in particular Sky Sport and ANZ, without whom this league would not exist.”

The announcement also affects the Beko Netball League, which sits directly below the ANZ Premiership, with Netball NZ opting to suspend the competition at this time.

The decision to return to play will be reviewed in just over a week and Netball NZ remains in close consultation with ANZ Premiership teams regarding the season ahead.

The 2020 ANZ Premiership season is planned to recommence from Round 4 with no change to scheduled fixtures on April 5 and 6.

Rescheduling of Round 2 and Round 3 matches will form part of the return to play review, with dates of rescheduled matches to be advised in due course.