New Zealand Falcons
The New Zealand Senior Men’s team represents AFL New Zealand as its premier team and traditionally, prior to Covid, played against the touring AFL Academy in April each year as well as participating in the International Cup every three years.
The New Zealand national side were last winners of the International Cup in 2005 defeating Papua New Guinea in the grand final played at the MCG in front of 30,000 people.
The Falcons New Zealand Senior Men’s team will aim to provide opportunities to all male players currently playing in the AFL New Zealand Premiership or with a club in Australia.
New Zealand Kahu
The New Zealand Senior women’s team represents AFL New Zealand as its premier team. The Kahu were due to make their debut appearance at 2020 International Cup, cancelled due to Covid. The Cup will next take place on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia in August 2024.
The Junior New Zealand Kahu have had recent success currently sitting on seven successful victories. With the amount of New Zealand Heritage talent playing within Australia’s top competition, the AFLW, the depth of talents bodes well for future senior Kahu teams
The New Zealand Senior Kahu team provide opportunities for all female players currently playing in the New Zealand’s major domestic competitions and the Australian club scene.
Pacific Cup – Seniors
Date: November 2024 Host: TBC – in Australia
Invited nations: Fiji, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Vanuatu, South Africa
Three events – the Asia Cup, Pacific Cup and Trans-Atlantic Cup – will be the first AFL-sanctioned international championships since 2017 and will each comprise open male and female divisions. The Pacific Cup will also include under 18 male and female divisions.
With the International Cup currently on hold, the Pacific Cup will provide the greatest opportunity to date for New Zealanders to represent their country on the international stage since 2017. New Zealand will be able to enter four teams into the Pacific Cup, Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s, Men’s U17’s and Women’s U17’s to compete against other pacific nations including rivals Papa New Guinea. Full details are yet to be released on the Pacific Cup but AFL New Zealand is excited about the prospect of new opportunities for all players based in New Zealand.
New Zealand All Stars
The NZ All Stars, New Zealand Falcons game will be an addition to the calendar and provide a solid contest for players currently playing at the highest level. The All Stars provides the perfect opportunity for Australian players based in New Zealand who do not qualify for Falcons selection, a chance to represent at higher honours, as well as providing those on the cusp of Falcons selection a chance to showcase their skills.
New Zealand U18
Is for players turning 18 or younger at the time of selection of the wider squad at the end of November and currently playing in the AFL New Zealand Youth Programmes, Local Club or the AFL New Zealand Premiership. These players will be looking to take the next step through their U18 experience targeting the New Zealand Seniors the following year.
New Zealand U17s – Pacific Cup, Cairns
Male and Female for those born 2009 & 2010.
Scheduled for Cairns in September every year, the Pacific Cup aims to elevate the sport in the Pacific region. An exciting addition to the international calendar. Squads for the Pacific Cup are selected through participation in the AFLNZ Youth Programme, Secondary School Programmes, and Local Clubs.
The Pacific Cup sets the stage for thrilling clashes and paves the way for a promising future for AFL in New Zealand and the Pacific region as a whole.
New Zealand U15s – Oceania Cup, Fiji
Male and Female for those born 2011 & 2012.
AFL New Zealand is thrilled to announce that AFL South Pacific U15 Oceania Cup, Suva, Fiji, in December each year.
The AFL Oceania Cup Tournament is specially curated for young players aged 15 and under, born in the years 2011 and 2012. The tournament format is as follows;
- Boys’ games will feature 16 players aside, with 5 reserves (squad of 21) and 3 officials per team.
- Girls’ games will be contested with 12 players aside, accompanied by 5 reserves (squad of 17) and 3 officials per team.
This vibrant and spirited event promises to be a showcase of talent, sportsmanship, and camaraderie among young athletes from the South Pacific region. We look forward to witnessing the stars of tomorrow in action as they display their passion and dedication to the sport of AFL.
Talent identification is conducted through Secondary School Programmes and the AFLNZ Youth Programme.
If you would like to learn more about the AFL New Zealand High Performance Programme, Secondary School Programmes or how you can play AFL and represent New Zealand, please get in touch with AFLNZ, communications@aflnz.co.nz
