Pregnant pause for Diamonds star

Renae Ingles is expecting with twins. Photo / Getty

Australian Diamonds star Renae Ingles is putting her netball career on hold after announcing she is expecting twins later this year.

Ingles will not play in the ANZ Championship for the Thunderbirds this season and be unavailable for Diamonds selection for their next international campaign later this year.
However she intends to return to the court in 2017.

"I have so many mixed feelings," said Ingles (nee Hallinan), who is married to Australian basketball star Joe Ingles.

"I'm excited and it's wonderful news for Joe and I - and our families - but at the same time I'm genuinely disappointed to miss an ANZ Championship season."

Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander was told the news while in England and is thrilled for Ingles and Joe.

"It's really wonderful news for Renae and Joe and nobody is happier than myself. I know that all the Diamonds staff and athletes will be over the moon for the pair," Alexander said.

Ingles, who has played more than 150 matches at domestic level in Australia, made her international debut against New Zealand in 2009 and has played 67 tests for the Diamonds.

In 2013 she was named winner of the Liz Ellis Diamond and was an instrumental part of Australia winning the gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2015 World Cup in Sydney.

Renowned as one of the world's leading wing defenders, Ingles has also captained the Thunderbirds in the ANZ Championship the past two seasons.

Alexander said Australia's recent 3-0 series victory over England highlighted the depth to be able to cover Ingles' on-court absence when the Diamonds next take to the court.

"That's what happens in sport; you sometimes have curve balls thrown at you and you've got to have the depth to cover athletes," Alexander said.

"We've shown in this series we have the athletes to do that and we'll welcome Renae back into the fold when she's ready."

Ingles plans to assist the Thunderbirds in an off-court role this season and Alexander is eager to use her in a similar way with the Diamonds as they prepare for the Quad Series against New Zealand, England and South Africa and then the Constellation Cup against the Silver Ferns.