Black Sticks Men named to take on India
The New Zealand men's side to face India in the 100 years of hockey between the two nations has been named.
Five players join the wider group for the first time, with Taranaki's Dean Clarkson, Javahn Jones (Christchurch), Sam Lints (Christchurch) Tim Greenwood (Waikato) and North Harbour's Zander Fraser all set to experience their first international environment.
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Goalkeeper Richard Joyce also returns to the group after stepping away fron the international game in 2020.
The series will bring India to Auckland at Lloyd Elsmore Park for three matches on 19, 21 and 22 November, marking a century since India’s first hockey tour to New Zealand in 1926.
Following the FIH Hockey World Cup and India’s recent qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games, both nations agreed the series will focus on celebrating the history and friendship between the two countries.
New Zealand and Indian Armed Forces teams will also feature in curtain-raiser matches. These fixtures recognise the military origins of the first sporting competition between the two countries.
The squad is: Aidan Sarikaya, Benji Culhane, Dean Clarkson, Dylan Thomas, Gus Nelson, Javahn Jones, Joe Morrison, Jonty Elmes, Luke Holmes, Matt Ruetsch, Nic Woods, Patrick Ward, Richard Joyce, Ryan Parr, Sam Hiha, Sam Lints, Scott Cosslett, Tim Greenwood, Tim Neild and Zander Fraser.
Match schedule
All matches will be played at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Auckland.
Thursday 19 November
New Zealand Defence Force Men curtain-raiser: 4.00pm
New Zealand vs India: 6.30pm
Saturday 21 November
New Zealand Defence Force Women curtain-raiser: 11.30am
New Zealand Defence Force Men curtain-raiser: 1.30pm
Kabaddi: 2.30pm
New Zealand vs India: 4.00pm
Sunday 22 November
New Zealand Defence Force Women curtain-raiser: 9.30am
New Zealand Defence Force Men curtain-raiser: 11.30am
New Zealand vs India: 2.00pm
