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Aust hockey trips on ice over virus fears

3 minute read

Australia's Hockeyroos and Kookaburras teams have been blocked from travelling for overseas fixtures over fears of the coronavirus outbreak across Europe.

Hockey Australia has suspended all international travel for the Hockeyroos and the Kookaburras until further notice in the wake of the ongoing coronavirus epidemic.

The governing body made the decision in consultation with the Australian Institute of Sport's chief medical officer after monitoring the latest updates from the World Health Organisation and Australian government.

"We have engaged extensively to seek the best and most recent advice on the Covid-19 virus to inform our recommendation not to travel," Hockey Australia CEO Matt Favier said.

"We have been tracking the progression of the virus in Europe with the hope it could be contained. Unfortunately, the increase in the number of cases and the spread of the countries now impacted has led us to this decision."

The Kookaburras and Hockeyroos teams were due to fly out for their next European FIH Hockey Pro League matches this week.

But HA Head of High Performance, Toni Cumpston said: "Hockey Australia places the safety and wellbeing of our athletes and staff as our number one priority.

"This decision has not been taken lightly, however we believe that at this point in time, it is the right and only one we can make to ensure the health and safety of our athletes and staff, and provide our programs with the least amount of risk in terms of impacting their Olympic preparation."

Cumpston said while they would miss the European leg of our 2020 FIH Pro League campaign, Hockey Australia will review plans to ensure the best possible preparation for the Tokyo Olympics.

FIH CEO Thierry Weil said they would work with all parties to try to play the postponed matches at a later date.

"Hockey Australia has informed us about its decision and while it is disappointing, we do understand the reasons for it," he said.

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