Jillaroos to host series against Japan on Gold Coast

Australia’s Under 21 Women’s Team the Jillaroos have secured more valuable international competition in the lead up to the 2023 Junior World Cup with confirmation of four matches against Japan on the Gold Coast in February.

The Jillaroos will take on Japan between 11-16 February 2023 at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre, the hockey venue of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The series will serve as important preparation for the Jillaroos’ Junior World Cup campaign, while for Japan the hit outs will assist in the lead up to their World Cup qualifiers.

Jillaroos Head Coach Stacia Strain has selected a mixture of uncapped players and players who competed for the Jillaroos in the recent series against New Zealand in Canberra.

“We are really excited for the opportunity to bring the Jillaroos back into camp in February for matches against Japan,” said Strain.

“We have seven athletes returning from our successful Junior World Cup Qualifying campaign and the majority of these athletes attended our cultural camp in Alice Springs in August.”

“These five matches will be a fantastic opportunity to continue developing our Jillaroos culture and our way of play building towards the Junior World Cup in December 2023.”

“I am incredibly grateful for Hockey Australia’s help and support in providing this opportunity for the Jillaroos, as well as Major Events Gold Coast and Gold Coast Hockey Centre for their eagerness to host the series.”

Women’s National Athlete Pathway Program Technical Lead and former Kookaburra Mark Hager says it will be a terrific opportunity to give uncapped players a taste of international hockey.

“This is another exciting opportunity for the Jillaroos as we continue on the journey towards the Junior World Cup,” said Hager.

“This series provides an opportunity to play five top level matches to continue moulding the Jillaroos’ style of play as well as reinforcing the team’s vision and values.”

It is hoped this event can become an annual one with a focus on securing participation from three international teams, including Australia.

Hockey Australia created the event to fill a void in the international competition opportunities in the Asia/Pacific region for Women’s Under 21 teams.

The series is proudly supported by the City of Gold Coast.

The Women’s Junior World Cup is scheduled to be held in Santiago, Chile in December 2023.

Jillaroos Series against Japan
Gold Coast Hockey Centre, Gold Coast
Match 1 – Saturday 11 February 2023 (6.00pm local, 7.00pm AEDT)
Match 2 – Monday 13 February 2023 (6.00pm local, 7.00pm AEDT)
Match 3 – Tuesday 14 February 2023 (6.00pm local, 7.00pm AEDT)
Match 4 – Thursday 16 February 2023 (1.00pm local, 2.00pm AEDT)

Jillaroos Team
Lauren Yee (ACT), Alana Kavanagh (NSW), Makayla Jones (NSW), Kendelle Tait (NSW), Jordan Bliss (QLD), Madeline Kenny (QLD), Kyra Livermore (QLD), Jade Reid (QLD), Carly Hoffmann (SA), Katie Sharkey (SA), Lucy Sharman (SA), Emily Hamilton-Smith (VIC), Bridget Laurance (VIC), Josie Lawton (VIC), Sammy Love (VIC), Evie Stansby (VIC), Zali Ward (VIC), Britney Desilva (WA), Saysha Pillay (WA), Belle Ramshaw (WA)