Australia A Men’s squad announced for Japan tour

A squad comprising a combination of Kookaburras players and athletes from the Men’s National Development Squad have been selected in an Australia A team for a 4-match series in Japan in August.

The team will play four matches against Japan’s national men’s team, who are 17th in the world rankings.

With opportunities for Australia’s best hockey players to compete internationally few and far between over the past two years due to COVID, Kookaburras Head Coach Colin Batch is pleased to add this tour to the calendar.

“This series is an ideal opportunity for our developing players and national squad players who missed Commonwealth Games selection to get some exposure to international hockey, which they don’t get often,” said Batch.

“It also provides the national program and national coaches an opportunity to assess the depth of our elite men’s squads by seeing how players perform against an international team.”

“The extreme heat expected in Japan when the tour is on will add another challenging component, so it will be a great test of the players’ reserves both physically and mentally.”

“The Japanese Hockey Federation have done a lot to make this tour happen so we are grateful for the work and support they have put into hosting the series.”

The Australia A team will be coached by former Kookaburra Brent Livermore, who is the current Head Coach of the New South Wales Insitute of Sport’s Men’s Hockey Program.

Fellow former Kookaburra and current Head Coach of the Queensland Academy of Sport Men’s Hockey Program, Matthew Wells will be Livermore’s assistant.

“I’m excited to be a part of the tour and thankful to be given this responsibility and have opportunity to work alongside Matt (Wells) and the performance team,” said Livermore.

“The key aspect is about educating the athletes to have a better understanding of the game, upskilling their knowledge base, reinforcing what the Kookaburras coaching staff are doing and putting it to the test against quality international opposition.”

“This gives players, both those already in the Kookaburras squad and those from the National Development Squad, the chance to put their best foot forward and in contention for selection for the World Cup later in the year.

“With this tour being a prelude to the Hockey One season starting at the end of September, it’s a great opportunity for everybody.”

Australia A squad for Japan Tour

*Kookaburras squad