Three debutants for Black Sticks Men
- Dave Worsley
- May 22
- 2 min read
The Black Sticks Men's hockey squad has been named to compete at the 2025 FIH Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia next month.
The team returns to the tournament after a gold medal performance in 2024, with a fresh opportunity to build on that momentum and once again push for top honours in Malaysia.
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Head Coach Greg Nicol has named a squad that blends international experience with young talent, including three debutants: 24-year-old Louis Beckert and Gus Nelson, 19, both from Canterbury and Otago's Finn Ward. Their inclusion reflects the depth and development coming through the New Zealand hockey pathway.
“This is a great opportunity to expose new talent to international tournament hockey,” said Nicol. “Our focus is to keep building on last year’s performance, playing a bold style of hockey and continuing to grow as a group.”
Dylan Thomas and Patrick Ward will also travel with the team as reserves.
The last time the New Zealnd side played a test match was at the Paris Olympics in August 2024. This tournament is an opportunity to prepare for Oceania Cup later this year.
The Black Sticks Men’s squad for the 2025 FIH Nations Cup:
Louise Beckert, Dom Dixon, Scott Cosslett, Benji Culhane, Charlie Morrison, Brad Read, Simon Yorston, Malachi Buschhl, Sean Findlay, Gus Nelson, Hayden Phillips, Nic Woods, Finn Ward, George Baker, Scott Boyde, Jonty Elmes, Sam Hiha, Sam Lane, Dylan Thomas (TR), Patrick Ward (TR)
Match timetable:
Sunday 15 June 10.00pm NZT vs Japan
Tuesday 17 June 12.00am NZT vs Malaysia
Wednesday 18 June 10.00pm NZT vs Pakistan
Friday 20 June TBC – Semi Finals
Saturday 21 June TBC - Finals
