Netball: Canterbury Tactix given extra import

Canterbury Tactix contract a second import for next season's competition. Photo / NZ HERALD

New Zealand's Canterbury Tactix have been given special allowances to contract a second overseas import for next season's Trans Tasman Netball League following the devastating earthquakes in the region.

The Tactix have already contracted England international Jo Harten, who will make her ANZ Championship debut in 2012.

In normal circumstances, Harten's signing would have filled the team's quota of international players, but an application to recruit a second was on Thursday approved by the TTNL board in light of their difficult circumstances.

Christchurch was rocked by a 7.1-magnitude earthquake in September last year, with the region suffering a second major earthquake in February, causing the Tactix to lost their office and training venue.

"Since that time, TTNL has implemented a number of initiatives to support the Canterbury franchise, including re-scheduling and re-locating games, and fundraising efforts," General Manager Anthony Everard said in a statement on Thursday.

"It is in this context that we have approved the Tactix request to contract a second ineligible athlete for the 2012 season.

"We recognise that given the unprecedented circumstances they are experiencing, there is a role for the league to play via the provision of this support."

- AAP