The Canberra Capitals WNBL season has come to an early end after the club advised they would be unable to field a team for the second game of the semi-final series against the Perth Lynx.

Canberra currently have eight COVID-positive players while the entire squad is in isolation.

“Following consultation with medical staff, the club was not prepared to risk the health and welfare of the team by committing to a long-haul flight early next week just as the affected athletes end their isolation period,” the club said in a statement.

“The chance that some may still be suffering symptoms, thereby not receiving medical clearance to play, or simply requiring more time to return to match fitness posed too much of a risk.

“The UC Capitals are incredibly disappointed with the outcome and lack of opportunity to participate.

“The club simply could not consider playing as the decision to move the game to Perth made our participation unreasonable.

“The UC Capitals athletes, who’ve already endured incredible adversity throughout the season, are devastated by the outcome.

“The team were desperate for the chance to compete and with UC Capitals management, every possible solution was explored.”

The Lynx won the first game of the series 91-77 in Perth before game two, originally scheduled for Sunday 27 March in Canberra, was postponed due to the Capitals’ COVID outbreak.

Game two was then rescheduled to Wednesday 6 April in Perth.

Canberra voiced their frustration with the WNBL’s decision to move game two to Western Australia, which they said would have placed more stress on their already difficult situation.

“The club does not support the relocation of Game 2 to Perth which would have added additional physical and mental stress to the team’s load at a vulnerable time,” they said.

“The UC Capitals acknowledge the heartbreak for all involved, including sponsors, members and fans, who wanted to see the team prevail and play for their chance at the championship after supporting them all season long.

“It was not a decision taken lightly, but one that came down to health and welfare.”

The WNBL COVID Finals Protocols stipulate the priority of any Finals series is to play it as a best of three; if this is not possible it can be played as a best of two, or as a single game.  

Get all the latest Canberra news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.