BLACK STICKS WOMEN PLAY HOST TO JAPAN

Auckland will play host to international hockey for the first time in almost two years when the Vantage Black Sticks Women (VBSW) take on Japan over two matches in April at the National Hockey Centre in North Harbour.

It will be the first time since August last year that the Black Sticks have played in New Zealand, and the first time since May 2022 that they have played in Auckland.

The sights will be set with a future focus as the VBSW enter a new era when a full strength Japan side, coached by former VBSW assistant coach Jude Menezes, wing their way down under.

“This is a great opportunity to look to the future as we build into the next World Cup and Olympic cycle,” said head coach Phil Burrows.

“While we had a disappointing result in India, the team will learn and grow from that experience and we will move onto the next challenge together.”

The test matches will take place April 13 & 14 and will be broadcast on TVNZ+. Tickets go on sale to the general public Monday 11th March at 12pm but fans can join the pre-sale waitlist now at blacksticknz.co.nz/japan.