Hockey New Zealand is proud to announce the Vantage Black Sticks Men’s squad selected to compete at the 2025 FIH Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 15-21 June.
This group returns to the tournament after a gold medal performance in 2024, with a fresh opportunity to build on that momentum and once again push for top honours in Malaysia.
Head Coach Greg Nicol has named a squad that blends international experience with exciting young talent, including three debutants: Louis Beckert, Gus Nelson, and Finn Ward. Their inclusion reflects the depth and development coming through the New Zealand hockey pathway.
“This is a great opportunity to expose new talent to international tournament hockey,” said Nicol. “Our focus is to keep building on last year’s performance, playing a bold style of hockey and continuing to grow as a group.”
Dylan Thomas and Patrick Ward will also travel with the team as reserves.
The last time the Vantage Black Sticks played a test match was during the Paris Olympics in August 2024. This tournament serves as an opportunity to represent New Zealand on a world stage again and to build hockey connections on the field in preparation for Oceania Cup later this year.
The Vantage Black Sticks Men’s squad for the 2025 FIH Nations Cup:
LOUIS BECKERT, DOM DIXON, SCOTT COSSLETT, BENJI CULHANE, CHARLIE MORRISON, BRAD READ, SIMON YORSTON, MALACHI BUSCHL, SEAN FINDLAY, GUS NELSON, HAYDEN PHILLIPS, NIC WOODS, FINN WARD, GEORGE BAKER, SCOTT BOYDE, JONTY ELMES, SAM HIHA, SAM LANE, DYLAN THOMAS (TR), PATRICK WARD (TR)
Sunday 15 June 10.00pm NZT vs Japan
Tuesday 17 June 12.00am NZT vs Malaysia
Wednesday 18 June 10.00pm NZT vs Pakistan
Friday 20 June TBC – Semi Finals
Saturday 21 June TBC – Finals
New Zealand
