The Ironblacks have returned home after a powerful showing at the 2025 Festival of Football in Australia — and they’ve brought back more than just experience. They’ve returned with mana, memories, and a whole lot to be proud of.

Across three thrilling matches, our New Zealand teams gave everything on the field:

• U16 All Star Pasifika (featuring Carlos Nixon & Freeman Gibson) went toe-to-toe with Australia in a spirited battle, finishing 14–6 in a hard-fought match.

• U18 New Zealand delivered an impressive effort, pushing the home team and finishing with a close 46–6 result to Australia.

• New Zealand Men’s Ironblacks came roaring back onto the international stage for the first time since 2016 — narrowly falling 20–16 in a nail-biting contest that could have gone either way.

Each game was a display of grit, passion, and pride in the black jersey — and we couldn’t be more proud of the way our athletes represented Aotearoa, both on and off the field.

A special congratulations to Daisy Motuga, who was named Man of the Match in the Men’s Test Match — a well-deserved honour after a standout performance.

To our athletes, coaching staff, and the many families and friends who supported in droves — thank you. Your commitment, sacrifice, and pride in this kaupapa is what makes these moments possible.

📺 Relive all the action on American Football Australia’s YouTube channel:👉 youtube.com/@AmericanFootballAustralia

This was more than a tour — it was a statement. The Ironblacks are back, and the future of New Zealand American Football is burning bright.

Article added: Friday 01 August 2025