ABOUT THE VOLLEY BLACKS

The Volley Blacks  are New Zealand’s senior men’s indoor volleyball team, made up of the country’s top-performing athletes based both domestically and overseas. The programme is targeted at achieving a top 10 ranking in Asia and draws on both locally based and international players to reach that goal.

Domestically, the squad trains in monthly camp-based environments from March to October as part of its national development and preparation strategy.

The international competition cycle spans two years:

• Year 1: AVC Nations Cup (2025)

• Year 2: Asian Men’s Championship (2026)

Additional fixtures may include Test Series against Australia, Oceania Championships, or international tours, such as recent opportunities in South America.

Athletes are selected through an initial trial process in Year 1, and via EOI and identification in Year 2. To be considered, athletes must be actively competing in national or international Club or IPC (Inter-Provincial Championships) environments, and able to commit to the demands of international touring and training.

Volley Blacks Coaching & Support Staff

• Head Coach: Sebastian Gonzalez

• Assistant Coach: Brendon-Ray Horlock

• Team Manager: Sue Ballantyne

• Physiotherapist: Diana Chen

 AVC CONTINENTAL CUP - FUKUOKA 2026

RESULTS

Competition yet to be played

About the Competition 

The Volley Blacks are heading to Fukuoka, Japan later this month to compete at the 2026 AVC Men’s Volleyball Continental, with the tournament running from 4–13 September.

The trip comes off the back of the AVC Men’s Nations Cup in India, where the Volley Blacks put together some strong performances and tournament highlights against a competitive field.

There are a few changes to the lineup heading into Fukuoka, with Daniel Malcolm, Jamie Julian, Jack McManaway, Maia Westrupp, Mana Placid and Saxon Gough returning to the Volley Blacks setup.

Their return adds a mix of experience and fresh energy to the group, alongside a number of players who were part of the India campaign. It will be great to see how the team comes together and builds on the performances they put together earlier this season.

New Zealand will be one of 12 teams competing in Fukuoka, joining Australia, Bahrain, China, Chinese Taipei, India, Iran, Japan, Korea, Oman, Qatar and Thailand.

With some of the strongest volleyball nations in the AVC region set to take the court, the tournament will provide another big test for the Volley Blacks. Across 10 days of competition, the team will have the chance to take on a strong international field and continue building combinations against quality opposition.

The team will be led by Head Coach Sebastian Gonzalez Moreno, Assistant Coach Brendon-Ray Horlock, Team Manager Sue Ballantyne and Physio Diane Chen.

The Volley Blacks will depart New Zealand on 29 August, with competition getting underway on 4 September.

Keep an eye on Volleyball New Zealand’s channels for updates, results and content from Fukuoka throughout the tour.

 AVC NATIONS CUP - INDIA 2026

RESULTS

Matches

17-Jun-25 – Australia – Pool A – Won 3–2 (16–25, 25–23, 27–25, 19–25, 17–15)

18-Jun-25 – Bahrain – Pool A – Lost 0–3 (19–25, 21–25, 16–25)

19-Jun-25 – India – Pool A – Lost 0–3 (23–25, 19–25, 14–25)

20-Jun-25 – Chinese Taipei – Pool A – Lost 0–3 (19–25, 23–25, 22–25)

21-Jun-25 – Kazakhstan – Pool A – Lost 1–3 (21–25, 19–25, 25–22, 31–33)

22-Jun-25 – Oman – Final 9–10 – Lost 0–3 (20–25, 21–25, 18–25)

Final Result: 10th Place

AVC NATIONS CUP - BAHRAIN 2025

RESULTS

Matches

17-Jun-25 – South Korea – Pool D – Lost 0–3 (26–28, 13–25, 22–25)

18-Jun-25 – Vietnam – Pool D – Lost 0–3 (23–25, 22–25, 15–25)

22-Jun-25 – Thailand – Classification Round – Lost 0–3 (20–25, 17–25, 25–27)

24-Jun-25 – Philippines – Classification Round – Lost 1–3 (16–25, 25–23, 11–25, 22–25)

Final Result: 11th Place