International Hockey returns to Northern Territory following eight year hiatus

Following an eight year hiatus, International Hockey will be returning to the Northern Territory when Darwin hosts the 2025 Oceania Cup at the MWT Hockey Centre.

The Hockeyroos and Kookaburras will battle it out against New Zealand’s Black Sticks for the prestigious Oceania Cup from 4th-7th September 2025.

The 2025 Oceania Cup Test Series is supported by Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company.

Northern Territory Major Events Acting Chief Executive Trevor Cox noted “bringing an international event like this to Darwin isn’t just about local fans; it’s a chance to draw spectators from across Australia and beyond. This event will showcase top-tier sports while also boosting the local economy through increased tourism and hospitality.

“Attracting this important Test Series between Australia and New Zealand to qualify for a World Cup is huge for the local hockey community too, they get to see their heroes up close and witness the extraordinary showcase of talent and sportsmanship.”

The Oceania Cup will deliver a thrilling spectacle as the national sides take part in a best of three test match series.

There will be more on the line than just a series win as the 2025 Oceania Cup will play a pivotal role in determining qualification for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, set to be held in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Since its inception in 1999, the Oceania Cup, held biennially, plays a crucial role as a qualifier for teams aiming for automatic spots in the FIH Hockey World Cup and the Olympic Games.

The last international series in the Northern Territory (NT) took place in April 2016. Before that, the Kookaburras competed in Darwin in May 2008 during a four-nation tournament alongside China, Korea, and India. The Hockeyroos last competed in Darwin in June 2004 for a tri-nations tournament with New Zealand and Japan.

Both teams also used Darwin to finalise their preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Notably, both squads have a history of featuring talent from the NT, including current Australian representatives Brooke Peris, Tom Wickham and Jeremy Hayward.

Hockey Australia CEO David Pryles enthused “this is a momentous occasion for our sport as we bring Australia’s best to the beautiful region of Darwin. The Northern Territory has produced some of the sport’s greatest athletes and I’m excited to see this classic rivalry play out across three days.

“I would like to thank the Northern Territory Government for their support in hosting what is a huge event on the hockey calendar. I encourage local and interstate fans to head north in September next year to witness our top athletes in action with a spot at the prestigious World Cup in 2026 on the line.”

Hockey NT Chief Executive Jason Butcher added “The Oceania Cup being hosted in Darwin is a huge win for hockey in the Northern Territory. We are incredibly grateful to the NT Government, NT Major Events, Minister Boothby, Minister Charls, and Hockey Australia for their support in making this possible.

“This event will be a massive boost for our sport and is a testament to the hard work our community has put in over the last 18 months. It’s a great vote of confidence in the direction we’re heading as a sport, and we can’t wait to see the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos back in Darwin inspiring the next generation of Territory hockey players on this big stage.”

Image. Credit: Hockey Australia