Hockey New Zealand is thrilled to announce the Vantage Black Sticks Men’s squad, selected for the eagerly awaited 2025 Men’s Oceania Cup in Darwin, Australia, running from 4–7 September at the MWT Hockey Centre.
The 13th edition of the Oceania Cup will be a classic showdown between New Zealand and Australia, designed as a best-of-three Test match series to determine automatic qualification for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. However, there is a slight twist… The Vantage Black Sticks men’s team has already secured their World Cup spot thanks to Australia’s earlier qualification through the FIH Pro League, meaning New Zealand will advance regardless of the match outcomes.
Still, this series promises high intensity and fierce rivalry with Trans-Tasman bragging rights on the line. Motivation is still extremely high with the opportunity to take on the Kookaburras in their own backyard and claim victory over one of world hockey’s powerhouses. The three games are scheduled as follows:
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Game 1 – 4th September 8.30pm NZT
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Game 2 – 6th September 6.30pm NZT
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Game 3 – 7th September 6.30pm NZT
All matches will be livestreamed and available to watch free on TVNZ+.
VANTAGE BLACK STICKS MEN – OCEANIA CUP 2025 SQUAD
BENJI CULHANE, BRAD READ, BRADLEY ROTHWELL, CHARLIE MORRISON, DANE LETT, DOM DIXON, DYLAN THOMAS, GEORGE BAKER, FINN WARD, ISAAC HOULBROOKE, JOE MORRISON, MALACHI BUSCHL, MATTHEW RUETSCH, PATRICK WARD, SAM HIHA, SAM LANE, SCOTT BOYDE, SEAN FINDLAY, SIMON YORSTON
NOTABLE DEBUTS – MATTHEW RUETSCH and BRADLEY ROTHWELL will bring exciting fresh energy to the squad.
New Zealand
