The NZ Falcons and the NZ All Stars will square off on April 23rd, 2023 at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland.
The game was originally set for September, 2021 and again in April 22, but the game could not go ahead due to Covid 19 restrictions.
The match will now take place following the completion of the 2023 AFL New Zealand Premiership season and provide a lead in to future representative matches including an Australian tour planned for May/June 2023 and the International Cup in 2024. Details of the Australian tour are yet to be finalised but will include a minimum of two matches against Australian based opposition.
In a first for AFL New Zealand, 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. With international travel restrictions now disappearing, it is expected that a surge of opportunities will present themselves to the New Zealand Teams Programme.
Falcons and All Stars Squad Selection
Playing squad selection will be reassessed in 2023 leading in to the new date. A nominated selection panel from each of the Regional leagues will also be engaged to provide nominations for talent outside the current AFL New Zealand Premiership pool. Following selection, squad members will be provided with detail on fitness criteria as well as lead in training schedules. The involvement of Australian based players will be monitored and assessed dependent on Australian based commitments and travel restrictions.
Final teams will be selected, consisting of a maximum of 22 players to play a game on Sunday April 23rd at North Harbour Stadium
Campaign dates
New Zealand based player will arrive in Auckland early on Sunday April 23rd and departing that evening.
Australian based players should consider being available for the lead in training session to be held on Wednesday 19th April prior to the match.
Training Schedule
New Zealand based squad members for both All Stars and Falcons will participate in the AFL New Zealand Premiership training sessions scheduled for commencement as of December 2022. Days and times will vary dependent on location.
If you are unable to attend any Training session you need to inform Coaching staff via Messenger prior to the session you will not be in attending. This is likely to have a bearing on your final selection.
Training dates and locations can be found at this link.
Game Venue
The match will take place at North Harbour Stadium Auckland on Sunday April 23rd 2023.
New Zealand Falcons and All Star Coaches and Management team
Coaches, Managers and Regional assistants to be advised
Team Uniforms
The team will be supplied with playing uniforms consisting of New Zealand or All Star playing jumper, playing shorts and socks. You will also receive an off field polo shirt as part of your off field uniform. All these items are covered through your player contribution.
You will be required supply black dress pants, shoes and belt as additional elements of your uniform.
Playing Jumper Presentation
A brief function will be held on arrival at Marist North Harbour Rugby Club prior to the game. Family and friends, are welcome to attend. Exact times will be forwarded closer to the event.
After Match Function
Following on from the game played on Sunday April 23rd , there will be a meal for both teams held at Marist North Harbour Club Rooms, walking distance from the game venue. Brief speeches will be made followed by the presentation of awards. Family and friends are welcome to attend but meals will not be available.
Remaining Meals outside of functions
Fly in players will be provided with snacks on arrival but we recommend breakfast prior or during flight travel.
International and Domestic Flights
We are expecting players to participate from venues including Melbourne, Brisbane, Otago, Canterbury, Wellington, Northland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Auckland.
All domestic flights will be booked and paid for by AFL New Zealand and are covered through your player contributions.
Ground Transportation
All ground transportation costs to and from airport, will be organised by AFL New Zealand and is covered through your player contributions.
Final New Zealand and All Star team selection
Final team selection will take place on Monday March 27th with further changes based on injury assessment.
Coaching and Management expectations
Beyond the listed information, squad participants from All Stars and Falcons will be provided with further coaching and management expectations by way of video conferencing as well as additional contact sessions to be advised.
Following the announcement of teams for the match on April 23rd 2023, there will be ongoing opportunities by way of training and development programmes for all squad members leading into 2023/ 2024 High Performance Programmes and tours.
Your initial selection or non-selection for the All Stars Falcons clash will not negate future selection opportunities. Coaches will advise of ongoing requirements.
Confirmation and Communication
Please reply to this email if you are available for selection for the AFL New Falcons and All Stars teams and that you understand the training, financial and administrative commitments.
A majority of the communication will be carried out through email as well as face book. Please ensure you have accounts for both these means of communication.
Covid Protocols and Insurance
Travel insurance will not be included for your travel. If you wish to increase coverage, this will require personal organisation and will not be subsidised by AFL New Zealand.
Updated Covid protocol requirements will follow Australian and New Zealand Government guidelines and will be provided in the lead up to the campaign.
Additions to the 2023 Falcons and All Stars squads
Please note additions can and will be made to the squad to replace players that are not meeting the obligations required for national team selection.
