What a Test Series. ๐บ๐ธ๐ฅ๐ณ๐ฟ
Four intense matches. World-class horses. Fast, modern polocrosse. And a huge step forward for our squad.
First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to New Zealand Polocrosse Association for the invitation, the incredible hospitality, and for horsing us so generously throughout the series. The level of organization and support made this experience one we wonโt forget.
Traveling across the world during our offseason is no small task. Between long-haul flights, time changes, and jumping straight into high-performance competition, this tour tested us before we even stepped on the field. But it was exactly what we needed โ a wonderful opportunity to dust off the cobwebs, sharpen our systems, and elevate our preparation as we continue building toward future international competition.
First Weekend: Cornelius Family โ Low Acre Shalalalala
Second Weekend: Pittam Family โ Coof
Both horses made an exceptional impact for our squad, and we are deeply grateful to the families who entrusted them to us.
A special thank you to our leadership team:
US Team Manager โ Wade Liner
US Coach โ James Hackland
Horse Manager โ Sophie Hackland
Your preparation, organization, and steady guidance were invaluable throughout this tour.
To our opponents โ thank you for pushing us. The pace, skill, and competitiveness on display show exactly why New Zealand remains a benchmark in international polocrosse. We gained invaluable experience competing against such a strong side. And finally, thank you to the hosting clubs, volunteers, horse walkers, umpires, and everyone working behind the scenes. International polocrosse doesnโt happen without a community.
Tours like this bring more than just high-level competition and pushing the standard of polocrosse. They create incredible opportunities to strengthen friendships within our own team and to build lasting international relationships. Sharing horses, homes, stories, and competition across borders is what makes polocrosse so unique and so special. The connections formed off the field are just as meaningful as the results on it. This tour strengthened our squad, deepened our resolve, expanded our friendships, and reinforced how bright the future is for USA Menโs Polocrosse. Weโll be back. ๐บ๐ธ๐
Test Results:
Test 1 โ NZ 29 | USA 18 USA MVP: Rahul Desai Best USA Horse: Low Acre Shalalalala โ Cornelius Family Test 2 โ NZ 31 | USA 25 USA MVP: Braxton Hamlin Best USA Horse: Audi โ Gower Family Test 3 โ NZ 31 | USA 18 USA MVP: Houston Hutcherson Best USA Horse: Low Acre Shalalalala โ Cornelius Family Test 4 โ USA 28 | NZ 26 USA MVP: Braxton Hamlin Best USA Horse: Coof โ Pittam Family Winning the final test was a proud moment for our team and a testament to the adjustments, resilience, and belief that continued to grow throughout the series. In addition, the USA team proudly presented our own Best Horse awards:
To our opponents โ thank you for pushing us. The pace, skill, and competitiveness on display show exactly why New Zealand remains a benchmark in international polocrosse. We gained invaluable experience competing against such a strong side. And finally, thank you to the hosting clubs, volunteers, horse walkers, umpires, and everyone working behind the scenes. International polocrosse doesnโt happen without a community.
Tours like this bring more than just high-level competition and pushing the standard of polocrosse. They create incredible opportunities to strengthen friendships within our own team and to build lasting international relationships. Sharing horses, homes, stories, and competition across borders is what makes polocrosse so unique and so special. The connections formed off the field are just as meaningful as the results on it. This tour strengthened our squad, deepened our resolve, expanded our friendships, and reinforced how bright the future is for USA Menโs Polocrosse. Weโll be back. ๐บ๐ธ๐