Australian Diamonds star Renae Ingles is putting put her netball career on hold after announcing she and her husband, Utah Jazz NBA player Joe Ingles, are expecting twins.
Ingles (nee Hallinan), who has played 67 Tests, will take a year out of the game, missing the rest of the Diamonds' 2016 Tests plus the Adelaide Thunderbirds' upcoming trans-Tasman championship campaign.
The 29-year-old mid-courter plans to return in 2017.
"I have so many mixed feelings," Ingles said.
"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."
Ingles missed the Diamonds recent 3-0 series sweep over England after failing to overcome a calf injury.
And Australia's dominance has led coach Lisa Alexander to believe the team is capable of covering Ingles' absence in 2016.
"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 well welcome Renae back into the fold when she's ready.
"She's very keen to continue her international career, which is fantastic news. When she's ready, we'll welcome her back into the squad."
Ingles' career hiatus also means the Thunderbirds will be without their captain as they look to improve after a tough season in the Australian conference where they finished last.
She plans to assist the Thunderbirds in an off-court role and Alexander is eager to use the veteran wing defence in a similar way with the Diamonds when they prepare for the quad-series against New Zealand, England and South Africa and the Constellation Cup against the Silver Ferns.
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