The Black Sticks Men have turned down an invitation to rejoin the Hockey Pro League (HPL), set to start in December 2024 until mid-2025.
Hockey New Zealand has confirmed its decision to not take part in the HPL with the International Hockey Federation, following the men’s team winning the FIH Nations Cup in June 2023.
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Hockey NZ said the decision to decline the invitation will allow the organisation to maximise its resources in building a high performance and touring programme that suits HNZ.
“It is unfortunate that we had to decline the invitation to join the Hockey Pro League, but ultimately we were left with no choice. ” said HNZ CEO Anthony Crummy.
“The economics, timing of the match schedule and the need to confirm our long-term funding for the next Olympic cycle mean it’s just not possible to commit to this coming season.”
Committing to the Hockey Pro League would require three significant international tours and no home games for the Black Sticks Men, which was also a deciding factor in HNZ declining the invitation.
“We will create an excellent playing programme for both our men and women, and we are well advanced in discussions with a number of countries to secure test matches home and abroad for 2025," said Crummy.
“We also have the Nations Cup and our chance for our men to defend their title, and the Oceania Cup in late 2025 to look forward to.
“In addition to our international commitments, our players will also have an opportunity to focus on the first year of the Premier Hockey League, a new four team elite domestic competition running through November and December.”
“We look forward to working with the FIH and participating countries in contributing to the shape and format of the HPL in future seasons”.
Ireland men will rejoin the HPL after France also declined the invitation following HNZ’s decision.