Hockey Pro League: Great Britain’s Maddie Hinch brands FIH rule ‘obscene’

Addressing the issue, former GB captain Kate Richardson-Walsh said that although she “doesn’t like” the rule change, it was “agreed by all the Pro League teams unanimously”.

The FIH confirmed the rule had been enforced following the “unfortunate scenario” of extreme weather, adding that the “specific point” of the regulations was discussed “in detail” between all participating national hockey organisations before the Pro League started.

The statement added that a cancelled match cannot be replayed due to “logistical constraints”.

Meanwhile, Great Britain’s men were thrashed 5-1 by Australia in their second game of the Pro League in Sydney.

Australia were 3-1 up by half-time, before Tim Brand and Trent Mitton sealed the victory, with Luke Taylor scoring Britain’s only goal.

Both British sides next face New Zealand in Auckland on 8 and 9 February.

The annual Pro League competition sees the world’s top nine teams compete for the overall title, and takes place between January and June in multiple cities, including London, Auckland and Valencia.