Wheelchair Rugby Australia has announced the cancellation of the National Championship ©WRA

The 2020 GIO Wheelchair Rugby National Championships in Australia has been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Gold Coast was initially due to host the event in May before it was re-scheduled to November following the outbreak of coronavirus.

However, Wheelchair Rugby Australia (WRA) has now announced the cancellation of the Championship after considering the "health and safety of participants, officials and spectators" as well as "logistical implications relating to travel and border restrictions".

Organisers say they are working towards staging the best National Championship in 2021 ©Getty Images
Organisers say they are working towards staging the best National Championship in 2021 ©Getty Images

Yesterday, Australia recorded its lowest daily coronavirus increase for three months after reporting 18 new cases, with Queensland registering two.

WRA revealed it had undertaken an "extensive decision-making process" and assessed "a range of alternatives" before calling off this year's Championship.

The WRA statement added: "Wheelchair Rugby Australia understands the impact of this decision on athletes, officials and competing programmes and will continue to work toward providing the best Wheelchair Rugby National Championships in 2021 which reflects the dedication and professionalism shown by athletes, officials and state programmes during this time."