WOMEN’S SQUAD PLAYER REPLACEMENT AHEAD OF 2026 FIH WORLD CUP

The Vantage Black Sticks Women have been forced into a change ahead of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, with Hannah Gravenall ruled out of the tournament through injury.

Ruby Baker has been called into the travelling squad and will join the team as they depart Auckland on 3 August for Belgium ahead of the tournament.

While Gravenall's withdrawal is disappointing, Hockey New Zealand wishes her all the best in her recovery.

Baker now earns the opportunity to represent New Zealand on the world stage, with the Vantage Black Sticks Women set to begin their FIH Hockey World Cup campaign against host nation Belgium on 17 August (NZT).