Hockeyroos say the Zika virus fears won’t stop them from going to the Olympics in Rio

AUSTRALIA’S Hockeyroos are not concerned by Zika virus fears in Brazil, as high-profile golfer Rory McIlroy pulled out of Rio because of the threat.

AUSTRALIA’S Hockeyroos squad say they were not concerned by Zika virus fears in Brazil as high-profile golfer Rory McIlroy pulled out of Rio because of the threat.

Hockeyroos skipper Rachael Lynch said the team was aware of the warnings but were satisfied by the assurances of Australian Olympic chiefs as well as World Health Organisation advice there was “very low risk”.

The team yesterday lost to Argentina in the international Champions Cup in London, the last tournament before the team flies to Chile for Olympics training and final preparation.

“Look for sure (Zika) is topical and it’s in the media but for us it’s something the Australian Olympic Committee is looking after for us, we have lots of information about it so we feel really informed and we trust the advice they give us,” she said.

Hockeyroos goalkeeper Rachael Lynch speaks about the team’s hopes for Rio. Picture: News Corp Australia

The mosquito-borne virus which has been linked to a form of severe brain damage in babies if caught by pregnant women has been cited by champion Irish golfer McIlroy for pulling out of Olympic selection; the golfer said he wants to start a family with his fiancee Erica Stoll and was putting family first.

Lynch said despite mixed fortunes at the Champion Cup comp the team was in good spirits in the lead up to the Games.

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, won’t be going to Rio. Picture: AP

“All we are thinking about at the moment is preparing for Rio so we are staying on track for that,” she said.

“Preparations are going well, this is our last tournament before our team’s announced then we go to Chile before Rio, pretty busy time always exciting but a lot of work still to do.”