11 Jun 2009

Invercargill to host first hockey Test

11:34 am on 11 June 2009

Invercargill will get its first hockey international this year with the city to host both the men's and women's Oceania Cup tournaments.

The August tournaments will be contested by New Zealand, Australia and Samoa with the winners qualifying for their respective World Cups next year.

Invercargill will also host a men's World Cup qualifying tournament after that, which offers a final chance for teams to qualify for the World Cup.

If the Black Sticks Men don't win the Oceania Cup they will line up with five other international sides in November.

New Zealand Hockey Director Ramesh Patel says Invercargill was chosen as the venue for the events because of their new hockey complex and the city's and community's support, enthusiasm and willingness to host international events.