NEW ZEALAND UNDER-21 TEAMS DEPART TO BRISBANE FOR QUALIFIER
New Zealand’s next generation of international hockey players are set to take on Australia in Brisbane this week, with qualification for the 2027 FIH Junior World Cups on the line.
The New Zealand Under-21 Men and Women will depart today across the Tasman for the 2026 Oceania Hockey U21 Junior World Cup Qualifier, with the tournament taking place from 1–4 October at Redcliffe Hockey Turf in the City of Moreton Bay, Queensland.
The tournament will see New Zealand and Australia go head-to-head across a three-match series in both the men’s and women’s competitions, with the winner of each series securing their place at the 2027 FIH Junior World Cup.
For the Future Black Sticks, the tournament marks the first major international test of the new Junior World Cup cycle, following the national selection camp in Hamilton earlier this year and the appointment of New Zealand U21 Head Coaches Hemant Lala and Danielle Cranston.
The four-day event provides an important opportunity for the emerging athletes to experience international competition and perform under pressure, while continuing their development towards future senior international hockey.
Both teams will open their campaigns on Thursday 1 October.
New Zealand U21 Match Schedule – NZT
Women
Thursday 1 October – vs Australia, 5:00pm
Saturday 3 October – vs Australia, 7:00pm
Sunday 4 October – vs Australia, 5:00pm
Men
Thursday 1 October – vs Australia, 7:00pm
Saturday 3 October – vs Australia, 5:00pm
Sunday 4 October – vs Australia, 7:00pm
The Oceania Hockey Federation has highlighted the tournament as a key pathway for emerging talent across the region, with many of the athletes competing in Redcliffe potentially going on to represent their countries at senior international level.
Where to watch
All six matches will be streamed live on LiveHockey, giving supporters in New Zealand and around the world the opportunity to follow the Future Black Sticks.
A tournament pass is available for $11 AUD, providing access to all six matches, while individual matches can be purchased for $6.60 AUD. Matches will also be available to watch on demand following the live broadcast.