Four Auckland-based Silver Ferns have been granted a government exemption to travel to Christchurch for next week's netball series against England.
Sulu Fitzpatrick will join the Silver Ferns in Christchurch for games against the England Roses. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Newly appointed captain Gina Crampton, vice-captain Sulu Fitzpatrick, Peta Toeava and Grace Nweke will join the rest of the squad ahead of Monday's opening Test.
These players returned negative Covid-19 test results before departing and Netball New Zealand said strict protocols remain in place at Alert Level 2 for the series.
The dispensation had to meet the highest threshold for it to be granted, and was based on a Ministry of Health assessment of public health risk and economic impact.
Netball New Zealand (NNZ) chief executive Jennie Wyllie said they were "extremely grateful" to be granted the exemption for the players to join the team for the three-Test series.
"To be able to play international sport during these times is something we don't take for granted, so we'd like to acknowledge the work done behind the scenes from many to ensure this series can go ahead."
NNZ said there were a number of factors considered in putting in an application for an exemption including the unavailability of three members of the Silver Ferns leadership group due to injury and pregnancy and with leaders Crampton and Fitzpatrick both located in Auckland; the team would lose a vast amount of experience.
A risk of injury to players called in to replace the quartet was also considered with a limited amount of time to prepare for the international Tests, while the dates for the series were unable to be moved as England had commitments in Australia following the series.
Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua said she was pleased to have the chance to have her full squad together for the series which was a key part of their long-term planning leading into next year's Commonwealth Games.
Earlier on Thursday, the Silver Ferns had brought in three development players to their camp to cover in case the government exemption was not granted.
Meanwhile, six rugby players have been removed from their provincial rugby sides and sent back to Auckland after their respective unions made errors in submitting applications for Covid-19 travel exemptions.