Hockey: Ireland women’s Malaysia trip cancelled at last minute

The Irish women’s hockey squad trip to Malaysia, which was due to begin on Friday, has been cancelled at the last moment. The squad had planned to fly from Dublin to Malaysia for heat and humidity training as part of their build up to participation in the Tokyo Olympic Games later this year. The Irish team qualified for the Olympics for the first time in their history.

However, having monitored the Covid-19 situation and the changing conditions in the past 24 hours, a late decision was taken not to travel. Ireland were due to play against Malaysia and Britain, who were also travelling out for the same reasons.

Speaking on the decision, head coach Seán Dancer said, “we informed the squad early this morning, and everyone is disappointment that we will not be able to make this opportunity happen.

“At this point in our build up to Europeans and the Olympics, the health and wellbeing of our staff and players is paramount. Weighing up the potential performance benefit of heat and humidity versus the uncertainties we live with at this time globally, particularly with travel and quarantine periods, has been incredibly difficult.

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“I am confident we can control our build up well in Ireland to put the team in the best position to compete this summer.”