NZ Men's U20 National Water Polo team ready for U20 World Championships in Croatia

The New Zealand Men's U20 National Water Polo team is gearing up for the 2025 World Aquatics Men's U20 Water Polo Championships, set to take place from 14–21 June 2025 in Zagreb, Croatia. This prestigious tournament will feature 20 teams from across the globe, with matches held at the Bazen Mladost, one of Croatia’s leading aquatic venues.

Building momentum in Montenegro

In preparation for the championships, the team has been based in Montenegro for a key training and development block. This high-performance environment has played a crucial role in strengthening team chemistry, fostering cohesion, and sharpening their competitive edge ahead of the world stage.

Lachie Griffiths, Head Coach, spoke about the importance of the Montenegro training camp:

“The boys have been working hard during our preparations, and these 10 days in Montenegro have been crucial in building our understanding of the game and fostering connections within the group.”

Looking ahead to the World Championships, Griffiths added:

“We’re really seeing the guys gel as a unit, and that’s going to be vital heading into the World Champs. As a group, we’re really excited to showcase what we can do against the best and make our country proud.”

Group stage fixtures

New Zealand has been drawn into Group D alongside Kazakhstan and the Islamic Republic of Iran:

• Saturday, 14 June – 8:30 PM NZST – Kazakhstan vs New Zealand

• Sunday, 15 June – 7:00 PM NZST – Islamic Republic of Iran vs New Zealand

(Remaining fixtures to be confirmed)

Watch live

Each match of the 2025 World Aquatics Men's U20 Water Polo Championships will be streamed LIVE and FREE on the World Aquatics YouTube Channel - make sure to tune in and support our New Zealand national team!

Stay connected

For updates throughout the tournament — including results and highlights — stay in the loop via the links below:

• Instagram: @waterpolonz

• Facebook: Water Polo New Zealand

• Website: www.nzwaterpolo.org.nz

• World Aquatics: https://www.worldaquatics.com/competitions/4888/world-aquatics-men-s-u20-water-polo-championships

Get behind the team and stay informed as they represent Aotearoa on the global stage.

New Zealand Men's U20 National Water Polo team:

Team list: Zach Martin (Marist), Jax Martin (Tauranga), Cole Phillips (North Harbour), Jacob Clements (Canterbury), Michael Rodgers (North Harbour), Liam Dodunski (Marist), Sam Fuemana (Mountfort), Ashwyn Keshvara (Marist), Gene Baggott (Tauranga), Bronson Chungson (Marist), Harry Irwin (Sea Wolf), Oliver Schnauer (Marist), Dan Ibbotson (North Harbour), Isaac Schuler (Tauranga), Mario Moody (Canterbury)

Non-travelling reserves: Conal Martin (Waikato), Fin Perry (Waitakere)

Travelling staff: Head Coach: Lachie Griffiths; Assistant Coach: Davor Carevic; Manager: Dave Bone

World Aquatics appointed referee: David Couper