Team Rugby Recruits ‘Mr Cricket’ For T20 Black Clash 2026

One of world cricket’s greatest ever run machines will rub shoulders with Kiwi sporting royalty as the Hot Spring Spas T20 Black Clash in association with Wolfbrook returns to Bay Oval, Tauranga on Sat 17 January 2026.

Aussie legend Michael “Mr Cricket” Hussey amassed over 50,000 runs during a stellar professional career – a total Team Rugby captain Kieran Read will be hoping Hussey adds to as his team of rugby heroes takes on a cast of international cricket stars in New Zealand’s favourite summer sporting event.

“One of the great things about the Black Clash is getting to compete alongside some of the greatest cricketers ever to play the game – and that will certainly be the case again in January at Bay Oval,” Read said.

“It’s pretty incredible to think that we’ve had Brian Lara and Chris Gayle in our side for the last couple of matches and now we’ve got Mr Cricket himself!”

A stylish left-hander who excelled in all three formats for Australia, Hussey established himself as one of the game’s great finishers during his stellar international career, producing match-winning late innings knocks seemingly at will.

“We’ve pushed Team Cricket very close the last couple of years but haven’t quite been able to get over the line,” Read said. “In Huss we’ve got the perfect man to change that this time around.”
Hussey notched 19 test centuries at an average of over 50 and captained Australia at ODI level, before rounding out his career with a dominant stint on the international T20 circuit.

A 24-ball 60 that included 18 off the last over against Pakistan to take Australia into the 2010 World T20 final was one of Hussey’s most memorable knocks, while the 713 runs he notched for the Chennai Super Kings in 2013 tied 2025 Black Clash star Gayle for the most in an IPL season at the time - and still stands as the seventh most runs ever in an IPL campaign.

“My brother David played in the very first Black Clash so it’s an event I know plenty about,” Hussey said. “It looks like a heap of fun in an amazing part of the world - so I’m really looking forward to it. I just hope I’ve got a few runs left in me so I can help the rugby lads out.”

Hussey could have his hands full though, with the ever-strong Team Cricket to be boosted even further by the presence of recently retired Black Caps opening bowler Tim Southee.

A genuine great of New Zealand cricket, the Black Caps’ former test captain is still active on the pro circuit, currently playing alongside Trent Boult and Adam Milne for the Birmingham Phoenix in England’s The Hundred competition.

“Yeah – that could be a bit of a problem,” admitted Read.

Given his 98 test sixes sits behind only Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum and Adam Gilchrest (and tied with Gayle), Southee is not just a problem with the ball.

The Northern Districts stalwart will certainly be out to impress on one of his favourite home grounds. “Tim’s a reasonably handy pickup for sure,” Team Cricket captain Daniel Vettori said.
“I think he could go pretty well!”

The Hot Spring Spas T20 Black Clash in association with Wolfbrook continues to be a smash hit with fans who flock to the ground and TV viewers.

It’s the third time the event has been held in Tauranga, with the sold out 2022 and 2024 editions drawing sports fans from across the country to the picturesque Bay Oval.

“The 2024 Black Clash drew fans from far and wide, with close to 60% of attendees coming from outside the region,” Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said.

“That’s huge for our local economy. The 2026 event is expected to deliver $1.1 million in visitor spending, so we’re thrilled to be hosting this iconic event in our city for another year.”

Event Director Carlena Limmer encouraged fans to sign up to the waitlist at Blackclash.co.nz for access to pre-sale windows, and secure tickets at first release prices.

“In 2024 the sold-out signs went up almost a month before the match and it will likely be even earlier this time,” Limmer said. “So, I’d urge ticket buyers to get in quick to ensure they don’t miss out.”

For those not fortunate enough to secure tickets, the Black Clash remains a powerhouse of Kiwi TV sports broadcasting. The 2025 edition pulled in over one million viewers (1,041,800 to be exact) on TVNZ and TVNZ+, making it the highest rating sporting event on free-to-air television over a 12-month period.

“Heading into its eighth edition, the Black Clash is firmly established as New Zealand’s favourite summer sportainment event,” Limmer said.

“Bring on January 17 in The Bay – it’s going to be epic.”

Hot Spring Spas T20 Black Clash in association with Wolfbrook ticket information
Pre-sale: Tuesday 16 September. Register for access here to first tickets at best prices www.blackclash.co.nz
General Public on-sale: Wednesday 17 September

Event partners:
Host City: Tauranga
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