The NZ Ironblacks are officially on tour! Both our New Zealand Men’s and U18 National American Football Teams have touched down safely in the Gold Coast this week, gearing up for a massive weekend of international football.

This Saturday, our teams take on Australia in a double-header at AB Paterson College, home of the NFL Academy. It’s all part of the 2025 Festival of Football, and excitement is sky-high.

🎟 SOLD OUT – But You Can Still Watch Live!

Due to overwhelming demand and strict capacity restrictions, the Festival of Football games are now completely sold out. While we know this is disappointing for many, the great news is that you can still watch from home.

📺 Livestream all the action on YouTube here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etORe09XEZY&list=PLv0qtLxUE6pO9gktov9orzqRN8UBUXGiA&index=3

🇳🇿 Friday 11 July – U16 All Star Pasifika vs Australia (1PM AEST)

Kicking things off on Friday is the U16 All Star Pasifika team taking on Australia — featuring two of our rising NZ talents, Freeman Gibson and Carlos Nixon. This elite campaign only began this week, but it’s already a powerful display of what Pasifika football can be.

They’re supported by an incredible all-star coaching team:

Offence

Coach Drew Aumavae (QBs)

Coach Nate Ilaoa (WRs/RBs)

Coach Chris Naeole (OL)

Defence

Coach Jesse Williams (DL)

Coach Asai Gilman (LBs)

Coach Alvin Mariteragi (DBs)

We're proud to see our young athletes thriving in this environment and taking bold steps on their football journey.

🏈 Saturday 12 July – Two Huge Test Matches

9AM AEST – NZ U18 Ironblacks vs Australia

After arriving on Sunday, our U18s have wasted no time getting to work — completing several high-level training sessions with elite coaches as they fine-tune the final details ahead of Saturday’s showdown. These young men have trained hard for 12 weeks and are ready to make Aotearoa proud.

1PM AEST – NZ Ironblacks vs Australia

This one is special. It’s the first international test for the NZ Men since 2016, when they faced American Samoa at Mountfort Park. Nine years later, they’re back — and back as the Ironblacks.

This year’s squad includes returning 2016 representatives like David Natua, Mark Tinilau, Bongchon Khanchaleun, Tolu Pitone-Iese, Joseph Burke, and Cory Buchanan — veterans bringing both experience and leadership.

We’re also proud to see legends from the 2016 “Steelblacks” era — Harry Siono, Hohua Dave, Lonnell Lakatani, and Wes Mana'o — now giving back as coaches, helping to guide the next generation while preserving the mana of the programme.

🎖 Honouring the Legacy

Before departing, both teams gathered for a special jersey presentation ceremony, joined by whānau and supporters. The packed room heard from 2005 Ironblacks Head Coach George Taulealea, who spoke on the history and legacy of the Ironblacks, the privilege of representing New Zealand, and the importance of doing it with pride and high standards.

🙏 Thank You to Our Community & Hosts

To every family member, friend, fan and follower — thank you for standing with us. This sport is self-funded, and the journey to international football isn’t easy. But your support means the world to our athletes, and it’s because of you that we keep pushing forward.

We also extend our sincere thanks to our friends at American Football Australia for hosting us. Your hospitality and partnership are appreciated, and we look forward to the opportunity to reciprocate and host you in New Zealand in the near future.

Let’s go, Ironblacks. See you on the livestream. Let’s make history.

Article added: Friday 11 July 2025