Darwin to host 2025 Oceania Cup as international hockey returns

For the first time in eight years, international hockey is coming to the Top End. The Hockeyroos and Kookaburras will battle it out against New Zealand’s Black Sticks for the prestigious Oceania Cup from 4-7 September 2025, at the MWT Hockey Centre.

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

Hockey Australia CEO David Pryles is excited to be bringing hockey back to the Territory.

“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.”

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.

Hockey NT CEO Jason Butcher said it was great inspiration for young players to see what they can be.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

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.

The 2025 Oceania Cup Test Series is supported by Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company. Tickets to the Oceania Cup will go on sale in 2025, with the test matches streamed LIVE and FREE on 7plus.