MOLLYMOOK'S Kalindi Commerford, Gerringong's Grace Stewart and their Hockeyroos' upcoming FIH Pro League matches against China in Changzhou, scheduled for March 14 and 15, will not be played due to the ongoing concerns surrounding the coronavirus.
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After consultation with Hockey Australia and the Chinese Hockey Association, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) made the announcement on Saturday, from their Switzerland headquarters.
"This is the right thing to do under the circumstances and Hockey Australia fully supports the FIH's stance on this matter," said Hockey Australia CEO Matt Favier.
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"Together with the relevant parties, we will continue to monitor the situation in China and the coronavirus, as well as the recommendations of the World Health Organisation."
The Hockeyroos were set to fly to China straight after their next Pro league matches against Argentina in Perth on March 6 and 7.
"Hockey Australia's number one priority is always the health, wellbeing and safety of our athletes and staff," said Hockey Australia high performance director Toni Cumpston.
"We raised our concerns with FIH and initiated discussions as soon as the threat of the coronavirus was first publicised.
"We are happy that FIH have made this decision and we look forward to working with them and the Chinese Hockey Association to organise another suitable time to play the matches whenever that may be."
As it stands, the Hockeyroos are currently in second place on the ladder, with one win and two draws to their name - as well as a cancelled fixture.
The South Coast duo's side defeated Belgium 3-all (4-2 on shootout) in their 2020 Pro League opener at Sydney's Olympic Park on January 25, before losing 3-1 in a shootout to the same opponent the next day, after the score ended at 1-all.
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They then downed Great Britain 2-1 on February 1 - thanks to Stewart's strike with 12 seconds remaining.
Stewart's goal proved pivotal the following day, when the two sides faced off again.
Despite the visitors leading 1-nil at the end of the second quarter, thunderstorms in Sydney saw play originally stopped for 40 minutes before ultimately abandoned - handing the hosts all three points, under FIH's mid-match cancellation rules.
The green and golds next host Argentina (2-0) at Perth next month.