World class hockey returns west with Hockeyroos to host China

The Hockeyroos will play international matches in Western Australia for the first time since June 2021 when they take on China in a highly anticipated three-game series from 23-26 March 2023.

The opening match of the series will be held at the Bunbury Hockey Stadium on Thursday 23 March before the following two encounters at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University on 25-26 March.

The official test series will provide both teams with more valuable high-level competition among the current FIH Pro League season.

For the Hockeyroos, the series adds to an already packed 2023 schedule with the highest focus being on August’s Oceania Cup against New Zealand which doubles as qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

"We are excited to bring more international hockey featuring our iconic national teams to our shores and sports fans across the country," said Hockey Australia CEO David Pryles.

"It's pleasing that our national teams will play in four different Australian states in 2023.

"There is a strong and passionate hockey community in Western Australia's Southwest, so the Hockeyroos are sure to get tremendous support in Bunbury. It is a huge coup for the region to host part of this sanctioned international test series."

The series will be shown across a host of countries around the world, presenting another unique opportunity for hockey in Australia to be seen on a global scale.

"This is another fantastic opportunity to showcase the Hockeyroos to a worldwide audience, with the matches to be broadcast on many platforms and networks across the globe," said Pryles.

"We saw the competitiveness between the teams during the recent FIH Pro League matches in Sydney, so it will be a high-quality series and more valuable international competition for the Hockeyroos in a packed schedule."

"Hockey WA has played and will play an integral role in hosting this series, so we thank them for their support and also the City of Bunbury for their enthusiasm and support in holding one of the matches."

The match in Bunbury will be the first hockey international in the South West region since the Hockeyroos played against Great Britain in February 2016.

The passionate hockey member base in the region will be provided with an opportunity to see some of the world's best in action, thanks to the support of the City of Bunbury and Bunbury Geographe.

“I am thrilled and proud to see Hockey Australia bringing this international showcase to Bunbury and thank them for their confidence in our beautiful City,” Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel said.

“We have a passionate hockey community in Bunbury and along with our broader community, I know our residents and visitors will be excited to see the Hockeyroos coming to our City and will pack out Bunbury Hockey Stadium in support.

“This is just the latest event through the City’s partnership with Sports Marketing Australia that will bring hundreds of visitors to Bunbury, providing an amazing social and economic boost.”

Tickets to each fixture are on sale now, with kids under 12 receiving free entry.

Hockeyroos v China Series
Match 1
Thursday 23 March 2023
Bunbury Hockey Stadium  
Start time 6pm (gates open 4:30pm)
PURCHASE TICKETS

Match 2
Saturday 25 March
Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University
Start time: 4pm (gates open 2:30pm)
PURCHASE TICKETS

Match 3
Sunday 26 March
Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University
Start time: 4pm (gates open 2:30pm)
PURCHASE TICKETS