The next edition of the AFL International Cup has been cancelled because of the continuing uncertainty around international travel.
The triennial event was originally scheduled to take place this year on the Sunshine Coast but was postponed until mid 2021 because of Covid-19.
Papua New Guinea celebrate winning the 2017 AFL International Cup. Photo: AFL Photos
The AFL said the ongoing restrictions on international travel and uncertainty around team availability has forced them to cancel the event.
The AFL Development Manager for the South Pacific, Ben Drew, said it was the right call.
"The guys in head office probably made a good decision just to postpone it until we get more clarity around the world and everyone is safe and healthy and everything is opened up again, so health comes first."
PNG managed to rise above New Zealand in the AFL International Cup final. Photo: AFL Photos
Drew said the pandemic had also affected local AFL competitions in the region.
"Nauru's been relatively lucky. They've been able to play, finish their mens competition and now they're in the middle of their women's competition and the juniors," he said.
"PNG had a few months off, working closely with the Sports Foundation and the Ministry of Health and trying to work through their back to sport protocols. They've only recently just started with some games in Port Moresby but in terms of everywhere else there's still some pretty big restrictions on what they can and can't do - same in Fiji and same everywhere else.
"Vanuatu has been relatively good - they've been able to get back pretty quickly and they've been doing some wonderful things over there."
Local AFL competitions have continued in Nauru and other Pacific countries. Photo: AFL Nauru
The AFL International Cup was first contested in 2002 with Papua New Guinea the defending men's champions from three years ago and Ireland the reigning women's title holders.
The AFL said the tournament remains an important part of developing the game overseas and they will review in the middle of netx year whether the tournament can be staged on the Sunshine Coast in 2022 or 2023.