Women’s Volleyroos to host NZ Volleyfern’s in Trans-Tasman Test Series at AIS

AVC

08/08/2025

Women’s Volleyroos to host NZ Volleyfern’s in Trans-Tasman Test Series at AIS

The Women’s Australian Volleyroos welcome the New Zealand Volleyferns to Canberra from today, for a five-match test series beginning Monday 11 August at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).

Running over 10 days, the international camp and test series marks a rare opportunity for the Volleyroos to play on home soil, and the chance to reignite a proud Trans-Tasman rivalry with plenty on the line, including the re-introduction of the Richard Farmer Memorial Trophy, contested for the first time in decades.

Australian Captain Mikaela Stevens shared that for many players in the Volleyroos squad, this will be their first opportunity to represent Australia in an international fixture at home.

“It’s super exciting to be able to play at home in Australia,” Stevens said.

“For many of us, it’s a first, as we don’t often get to play another country or club here.

“So I know myself and the whole squad is excited to show the Australian community how good women’s volleyball in Australia is, and hopefully create more opportunities like this for the future.

“Off the court, we just love spending time together, whether it’s coffee, playing cards, making TikToks, or watching videos.

“Last year it was also fun to build friendships with the New Zealand girls, and I’m really looking forward to spending more time off court together – that’s one of the best parts of playing international volleyball.”

Australian Head Coach Russell Borgeaud emphasised the importance of the test series in building the next generation of elite athletes.

“It’s incredibly exciting hosting the NZ Volleyferns at the AIS,” Borgeaud said.

“It is not only a great opportunity to test ourselves against quality international competition, but it’s also a proud moment to have these matches on home soil.

“These are our team’s first matches at home in many years and the rivalry between Australia and New Zealand is always special, and it’s fantastic to showcase high-level women’s volleyball here in Canberra.

“This series and the lead-up camp are crucial for our athletes.

“It gives them the chance to apply tactical systems under pressure, build team chemistry, and gain match-play experience that can’t be replicated in training alone.”

The New Zealand squad arrives in Canberra with strong international form, backing up from the AVC Nations Cup with NZ Performance Manager Colleen Campbell in support.

“Being able to build on the test series we had last year in New Zealand is a great thing,” Campbell said.

“It gives our players another chance to compete internationally, implement learning, and build toward the future.

“Another significant moment is the re-introduction of the Richard Farmer memorial trophy which hasn’t been contested in decades between the two countries.

“It will now feature in future Trans-Tasman fixtures and have its rightful place in the rivalry between both teams.”

Match Schedule

Test 1: Monday 11 August, 5:45pm

Test 2: Tuesday 12 August, 5:45pm

Test 3: Wednesday 13 August, 5:45pm

Test 4: Friday 15 August, 5:45pm

Test 5: Saturday 16 August, 3:30pm

Team AUS

Tara Maland (SA)

Mikaela Stevens (NSW)

Jaiha Birkett (ACT)

Anni Tang (NSW)