Joe Ingles’ twins due to arrive on day of the Rio Olympics opening ceremony

BOOMERS coach Andrej Lemanis says NBA star Joe Ingles might be forced to miss the birth of his twins to chase Olympic gold in Rio.

Joe Ingles and wife Renae are expecting twins. Picture: Bob Barker.

BOOMERS coach Andrej Lemanis says NBA star Joe Ingles might be forced to miss the birth of his twins to chase Olympic gold in Rio.

Ingles’ twins with Australian Diamonds netballer Renae Ingles (nee Hallinan) are due on the day of the Rio Olympics opening ceremony.

But over 50 per cent of twins are born prior to 37 weeks, which means Ingles might still be in Australia.

Joe Ingles and fiancee Renae Hallinan are expecting twins. Picture: Bob Barker.

Lemanis said if the babies went full-term Ingles would likely stay in Boomers camp and play out the Olympics.

“The fortunate thing is that (Australian netball star) Renae is from an elite sporting background and understands the requirements to be in the team and Joe’s desire to play in the Olympics,’’ he said.

“We will play it by ear. If he is still in Australia when the twins are born by all means he will be there with his wife during the delivery.

“Once we get overseas it is more challenging and he is most likely to stay with the team.”

The Boomers have a 15-day pre-Olympics camp in Brazil and Argentina, with Ingles saying recently he was hopeful of an early birth.

“The (due date) is the day of the opening ceremony. Renae is a sporting girl so she understands what it means to represent Australia,’’ he said.

Joe Ingles plays for the Utah Jazz in the NBA.

“It is something we will work through. Being twins there is a good chance they will come early.

“We are based in Melbourne by that point, our camp for the Boomers is in Melbourne for 10 days and the Boomers coaching staff are really behind me.

“We actually don’t go to Rio until the start of August so if they haven’t come before the trip we will work out the best way to approach it.”