Kakatahi Polocrosse Club carnival brings NZ v US international tests to Whanganui

The New Zealand Polocrosse men's team will face the United States men's team at the Kakatahi Polocrosse Club on Waitangi weekend. Photo / NZ Polocrosse

The sport described as “rugby on horseback” is set to return to Whanganui, with the Kakatahi Polocrosse Club Carnival and international tests between New Zealand and the United States.

The New Zealand men’s team will play the United States men in the last two tests of the four-test international series on February 6-7.

The Kakatahi Polocrosse Club will host the tests and open carnival at Waitangi weekend at McNab Domain, Kaiwhaiki Rd.

Polocrosse is a mix between polo and lacrosse, with six-person teams, divided into two sections of three on horseback.

Games are usually played over six periods or “chukkas” of six minutes each.

The objective is to use the racquet-headed cane stick to catch, carry and throw a rubber ball to score goals in the opposition’s goalposts.

There are eight polocrosse clubs in New Zealand, all based in the North Island.

The New Zealand men’s team are coming off the back of two impressive performances against the United States in Tokoroa, winning 29-12 and 31-25 in the first and second tests, respectively.

New Zealand horse liaison, NZ Polocrosse board member and Kakatahi Club board member Amy Tomsett said the New Zealand team would have to be on point because the United States players would have got used to the horses.

“We have got a young team. The Americans will be coming out fired and fit this weekend, with a bit more confidence,” Tomsett said.

“The New Zealand team know they’ll have to step up to combat that.”

The two teams played each other in Whanganui in 2023.

They met again at the World Cup in South Africa in 2024, with New Zealand winning 29-18 in the opening test.

The carnival will accommodate A, B and C grade riders and subbies (children’s events).

Tomsett said the carnival on February 7-8 would bring “people from all over”.

“We’re hoping to see some exceptional polocrosse and then showcase a single-horse sport,” she said.

The event would not be possible without funding sources including the New Zealand Community Trust, Grassroots Trust Central, sponsors and the community’s support, she said.

The February 6 international game will be played at 6pm, and the following day’s event will kick off at 4pm.

The carnival will start at 8am on February 7-8.

There are no entry fees for spectators.

Fin Ocheduszko Brown is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.