Newcastle's hockey community have been left "disappointed" after next year's Test series involving the Australian women's team was moved to Sydney.
The announcement was made on Thursday following an inspection by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
In a statement released by Hockey Australia, the FIH advised Newcastle's recently redeveloped pitch was "non-compliant" in terms of hosting six Pro League matches between the Hockeyroos, Germany and China in February (10-15).
Those games have now been shifted to Sydney Olympic Park.
Newcastle International Hockey Centre underwent $10 million works during the last few years with 2022 grand finals being played at the reopened venue in September.
Newcastle Men's Hockey Association (NMHA) expressed their view on social media.
"Disappointing to hear the announcement made today by Hockey Australia that Newcastle will not be hosting the Pro League matches in February [20]22 featuring the Hockeyroos, China and Germany," NHMA said.
"We know the wider hockey community in the area will be extremely disappointed with the decision."
The Hockey Australia statement included: "The event comprising six matches between the three nations was originally scheduled for Newcastle, however, upon inspection the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has formally advised the pitch is non-compliant to host the matches."
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