Selection of NZ International Polocrosse team begins

15 January 2013
For immediate use

Selection of NZ International Polocrosse team begins

The thrill of international Polocrosse, this year for the first time in Turangi, will see the New Zealand team doing their utmost to come out on top of rivals Australia.

Runners up at the Australian 2009 quadrangular event, Reporoa-based selector coach Errol Gloyn says the New Zealand team will be working hard for a different outcome in March Turangi event.

Approximately 300 people play Polocrosse in this country compared with 12,000 in Australia. In spite of our selection options, Errol says New Zealand has an incredible win/loss record against Australia.

Selection of team members starts this month and Errol will travel to games all around the country before announcing his final selection on 17 February.

“It a very fast-paced sport with tremendous skill involved. You have to be able to play the ball and ride a horse,” says Errol.

“Polocrosse is thrilling, It’s a great spectator sport but it’s not for the faint-hearted. A good horse is important; it has to be extremely agile and like an experienced hockey or rugby player, has to accelerate fast, stop fast and turn on a sixpence.”

“This four-nation event is part of an international World Cup series held every four years. Teams from Zambia and Australia are competing in Turangi and we’re waiting for confirmation from England,” says Errol.

Turangi is an obvious choice for the tournament says Errol. It has tremendous facilities and can play six fields at the same time.

“The Tuwharetoa club has been at the forefront of New Zealand Polocrosse over many years and is tremendous at promoting the event,” he says.

“There’s always a cultural element to their tournaments and this will be at the forefront of the March event.”

As well as a formal powhiri, all visiting teams will spend a night on a marae.

Taupo District Council Events Manager Nick Reader says the international Polocrosse tournament reflects the increasing diversity of events taking place in our region.

Tournament games are from 28-31 March and organised by New Zealand Polocrosse Inc.

The international World Cup involves teams from Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, the USA, England Ireland, Australia and New Zealand will be held in 2015 hosted by the previous winning team, South Africa.

Ends.

www.polocrossenz.co.nz

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