Aussie netball uniform protest leaves sport reeling before Second Test

Diamonds players have launched a uniform protest that has left the team and officials in urgent talks to resolve a $15 million crisis.

Australian Netball has been rocked by a uniform protest that has left the Constellation Cup series in chaos.

The Diamonds have complained about the team’s new major sponsor, mining giant Hancock Prospecting, being branded across their uniforms and it resulted in the team wearing an old strip in their series opening loss to New Zealand on Wednesday.

According tofoxsports.com.au, the players are in urgent talks with Netball Australia and have dug their heels in over the new jersey with the hours ticking down until the Second Test against New Zealand in Sunday.

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The Fox Sports report has exposed the divide between the players and the game’s new financial backer after the controversial decision that saw mining magnate Gina Rinehart’s company last month sign a multimillion sponsorship deal through to the end of 2025.

The iron ore miner has previously said climate change is not a man-made phenomenon — something former Australian captain Sharni Norder says is against the values of the team.

The protest also surrounds the origins of Hancock Prospecting Ltd, founded in 1955 by Rinehart’s father, the late Lang Hancock.

Hancock infamously suggested in 1984 Indigenous Australians should be sterilised to “breed themselves out” in coming years.

The connection is particularly indecent while Indigenous player Donnell Wallam prepares to make her debut for Australia, having ben selected in the squad for the Constellation Cup series.

The Diamonds in New Zealand. Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images.

The commercial agreement was a lifeline for the governing body, which has lost more than $7m over the past two years, mostly due to costs associated with Super Netball.

Hancock Prospecting branding was set to feature on the Diamonds’ uniforms throughout the series against New Zealand, but the dispute is now threatening to boil over.”

Fox Sports reports Norder has addressed the team and has publicly slammed the sport for going into partnership with Australia’s richest woman.

“This is a company that doesn’t suit Netball Australia’s values.

“We’ve always stood up for social justice, we’ve always been anti-gambling, no smoking … and there were, and are, other avenues to source sponsorship.

“Lang Hancock’s past and what he said in regard to Indigenous people is just not suitable for Australian sport. Netball Australia has always tried to be inclusive … we now have Donnell in the team.

There was no sign of the new sponsor. Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images.

Netball in crisis. Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images.

“This is not a respectful way to act and even if Donnell wasn’t in the team, we must do better.

“I did a zoom with the players just to educate them on doing right by the sport but also doing right by yourself and honouring your own values.

“I just wanted to have a conversation is that money worth your reputation and what you stand for as a person?

“Just so they are making good decisions for themselves because they represent the clubs and our country but also themselves.”

Netball Australia released a statement, confirming the discussions are happening behind the scenes.

“This delay allows time to ensure players remain focused on the Constellation Cup competition and for Netball Australia and the Australian Netball Players Association to resolve these matters in an appropriate time frame”.

“Netball Australia is committed to continuing these conversations and working with all parties to the benefit of our sport.

“The Hancock Prospecting partnership is one of the most significant investments in our sport, $15m dollars will be provided over four years with 100% directed at players, coaches and the Diamonds high-performance program, providing the opportunity to help grow and strengthen netball.

“Netball Australia, Hancock Prospecting and the Diamonds will continue to work together for the benefit of the entire sport.”

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Constellation Cup

Sunday 16 October 5.30pm AEDT – Trustpower Arena, Tauranga, NZ

Wednesday 19 October 7.30pm AEDT – John Cain Arena, Melbourne

Sunday 23 October 7.30pm AEDT – Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre

England Series

Wednesday 26 October 7.30pm AEDT – Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle

Sunday 30 October 7.30pm AEDT– Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney

Thursday 3 November 7.30pm AEDT – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane