22nd Asian Men’s U20 Volleyball Championships Qualifier – Team Selection Announcement

Head Coach Andre Borgeaud alongside the selection panel has named a 12 strong team for the upcoming Asian Championships qualifier against New Zealand hosted at the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra.

Australia and New Zealand are set to engage in a high-stakes showdown for the Oceania spot at the 22nd Asian Men’s U20 Volleyball Championships in Surabaya, Indonesia. Scheduled from July 23rd to July 30th, 2024, this eagerly anticipated match marks the first zonal playoff in several years aimed at securing a coveted place in the Championships. With anticipation running high, the Australian team is gearing up to face their Trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand, in a thrilling display of skill and determination.

Should Australia emerge victorious and secure their place, they will advance to Surabaya, Indonesia. Assigned to Pool A, they will face formidable opponents including hosts Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and a team from the Eastern Zone. Set to unfold from July 23rd to July 30th, 2024, this championship holds significant importance as it signifies Australia’s second consecutive participation since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Head Coach, Andre Borgeaud said: “We know that New Zealand will be strong given their schools performances at the recent Australian Volleyball Schools Cup in 2023.”

“After careful consideration, we have assembled a group of 12 athletes who possess versatility across multiple positions, enabling us to adapt to various challenges we may encounter against New Zealand. We firmly believe that this selected group has the capability to rise to the occasion and achieve success on the court.”

“We extend our deepest gratitude to each player and their families for their unwavering commitment and dedication to the squad over the past 12 months. Their sacrifices and hard work have played a crucial role in preparing us to be in the best possible position as we approach the upcoming challenge in June.”

U20 AUSTRALIAN SQUAD | ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS QUALIFIER | 6 – 11 JUNE

Finley BENNETT	Volleyball South Australia	Brighton Secondary School	202cm
Harrison BUHLER	Volleyball Western Australia	Wesley College	188cm
Samuel CHEN	Volleyball New South Wales	Brandon University	192cm
Mitchell CROFT	Volleyball Victoria	AVA – Lake Ginninderra College	208cm
Killian DONOVAN	Volleyball New South Wales	Scots College	193cm
James KAY	Volleyball Victoria	McKinnon College	200cm
Finn KILLEN	Volleyball Queensland	St Peters Lutheran College	212cm
Joel MCGRUTHER	Volleyball Queensland	Brisbane Boys College	210cm
Thomas MCKINNEY	Volleyball Queensland	AVA – Redlands College	197cm
Riley PALFREY	Volleyball Queensland	Craigslea State High School	209cm
Cooper SHARPE	Volleyball Queensland	Anglican Church Grammar School	197cm
Zachary UPTON* Injury Withdrawal	Volleyball Queensland	Brisbane State High School	200cm
Xander VAN DRIEL	Volleyball Queensland	AVA – Citipointe Christian College	201cm

Head Coach – Andre Borgeaud (ACT)

Assistant Coach – Steve Lugge (NSW)

Physio – TBC

MATCH DETAILS | JUNE 2024

Match 1 – Australia v New Zealand
Date: Saturday, 8th June 2024 (local) AEST
Venue: AIS, Canberra ACT

Match 2 – Australia v New Zealand
Date: Sunday 9th June 2024 (local) AEST
Venue: AIS, Canberra ACT

Match 3 – Australia v New Zealand
Date: Monday 10th June 2024 (local) AEST
Venue: AIS, Canberra ACT