U21 TEAMS GEARING UP FOR THE 2025 FIH JUNIOR WORLD CUP
The stage is set and our New Zealand U21 teams are ready compete at the 2025 FIH Junior World Cups, the pinnacle event of international age-group hockey.
The U21 Men departed New Zealand on 23 November for Tamil Nadu, India, where the Men’s Junior World Cup runs from 28 November to 10 December. The U21 Women will depart on 25 November for Santiago, Chile, ahead of the Women’s Junior World Cup held from 1 to 13 December.
The Junior World Cups are a key development milestone for our national programme, giving our emerging players an invaluable chance to test themselves against the world’s best on the global stage.
In India, the U21 Men have been drawn in a challenging pool alongside China, Argentina, and Japan. Head Coach Mike Delany says the group is eager to embrace the opportunity that awaits them: “We’re excited to return to India, a country that lives and breathes hockey. We are ready to embrace the challenge of the Junior World Cup in Chennai. The atmosphere, fans, and energy make it a special place to play hockey. After some recent disappointing results, we’re motivated to respond with intent and play a bold, attacking brand of hockey: fast, connected, and fearless.”
The men’s squad selected to represent New Zealand includes Aiden Bax, Bradley Rothwell, Dean Clarkson, Finlay Neale, Gus Nelson, Hugh Nixon, Jakarta Klebert, Javahn Jones, Jonty Elmes, Jordan Whittleston, Matthew Ruetsch, Milan Patel, Nick Stephenson, Owen Brown, Rocco Ludolph, Ryan Parr, Sam Lints and Scott Illerbrun.
Match Times:
Friday 28th November vs China at 11pm NZT
Sunday 30th November vs Argentina at 11pm NZT
Tuesday 2nd December vs Japan at 1.15am NZT
The U21 Women will represent New Zealand in Chile, drawn in a competitive pool featuring the United States, Uruguay and Korea. Head Coach Verity Sharland says the group is ready to take on the world with pride and purpose: “We’re looking forward to seeing the fern worn with honour on the Junior World Cup stage. The pride in this group, their relentless drive, and the support from home will fuel something special, we can’t wait to compete in Chile.”
The women’s squad named for the World Cup includes Cara Morrison, Charlie Wills, Ella Leighton, Emma Findlay, Emma Irwin, Georgie Shotter, Greer Findlay, Hannah Findlay, Hannah Donald, Holly Hilton-Jones, Jayda Pawhau, Kaea Elliott, Kate Kominik Fraser, Katie Bond, Mezzy Surridge, Niamh McKenzie, Nina Murphy and Riana Pho, with Livvy Barker and Murphy Phillips selected as non-traveling reserves.
A special mention to the Findlay sisters (Emma, Hannah and Greer) who have all been selected and will attend the Junior World Cup together. An incredible achievement for this family. Brother, Sean Findlay, will watch on from Malaysia as he’s currently on tour with the Vantage Black Sticks men.
Match Times:
Tuesday 2nd December vs United States at 10am NZT
Thursday 4th December vs Uruguay at 7.30am NZT
Saturday 6th December vs Korea at 7.30am NZT
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