VANTAGE BLACK STICKS ANNOUNCE SQUADS FOR EURO TOUR
The Vantage Black Sticks are pleased to announce their men’s and women’s squads for next month’s European tour, which will feature matches against Belgium and Argentina in Antwerp, and the Netherlands and Germany in Amsterdam.
The selection includes several European-based players who were not available for the recent series in Christchurch due to club commitments, meaning that the women’s squad is near full strength, aside from the unavailability of three contracted players.
The men will welcome back the likes of captain Nic Woods, and goal-scoring threat Sam Lane, who currently sits 7th in the Dutch first division rankings with 16 goals in 22 games but still find themselves missing six core players through injury or personal commitments.
Meanwhile, the women will have co-captain Megan Hull back in action, along with other veterans such as Fran Davies and Tarryn Davey who have both played significant roles in advancing their club to the playoffs for the first time in its history.
Men’s Head Coach Greg Nicol said, “We’re excited to welcome back our European-based players who bring in experience and a different perspective to our game. Their exposure to different playing styles and conditions in Europe should enhance our competitiveness and help with our scouting.
“The tour is also a great opportunity to continue to develop some of the new talent we fielded in Christchurch.”
Women’s Head Coach Phil Burrows echoed Nicol’s sentiments, “This tour will give us the opportunity to play against some of the best teams in the world, which is exactly the kind of challenge we need to prepare ourselves for Olympic qualification.
“The inclusion of our European-based players adds depth to our squad to mix in with some exciting young players, and we’re looking forward to seeing them in action.”
The Vantage Black Sticks are in action from June 17-28, with all action live and on demand on Spark Sport.
VANTAGE BLACK STICKS MEN
George Baker, Scott Boyde, David Brydon, Malachi Buschl, Benji Culhane, Dom Dixon, Sean Findlay, Connor Greentree, Leon Hayward, Sam Hiha, Isaac Houlbrooke, Sam Lane, Charlie Morrison, Hayden Phillips, Kane Russell, Aidan Sarikaya, Blair Tarrant, Dylan Thomas, Nic Woods ©, Simon Yorston.
VANTAGE BLACK STICKS WOMEN
Hannah Cotter, Kaitlin Cotter, Casey Crowley, Tarryn Davey, Frances Davies, Steph Dickins, Katie Doar, Madi Doar, Emma Findlay, Megan Hull ©, Tyler Lench, Olivia Merry ©, Grace O’Hanlon, Riana Pho, Hope Ralph, Brooke Roberts, Olivia Shannon, Liz Thompson, Rose Tynan, Tayla White.
MATCH SCHEDULE (NZT)
17 June – Men vs Argentina
18 June – Women vs Argentina
19 June – Men and Women vs Belgium
20 June – Men vs Argentina
21 June – Women vs Argentina
22 June – Men and Women vs Belgium
24 June – Men vs Germany
25 June – Women vs the Netherlands
26 June – Women vs Germany, Men vs the Netherlands
27 June – Men vs Germany
28 June – Women vs the Netherlands
29 June – Women vs Germany, Men vs the Netherlands
- May 16th, 2023 in
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