Black Clash 2027: Team Rugby (and friends) to take on Team Cricket in Christchurch

“Rest assured we’ll be leaving no stone unturned to unearth the talent we need to knock off Team Cricket this year.”

The move means fans can expect to see more cameos from the likes of Olympic shot-putter Tom Walsh – who smashed a 34 and opened the batting alongside Stephen Fleming in the 2022 event.

2022 was the last time Team Rugby notched a victory in the showdown – adding a second Team Cricket scalp to the one claimed with a shock victory in the inaugural match in 2019.

Another tweak in the rules will mean both teams can field two wildcards.

Team Cricket’s new captain, Tim Southee, served as Team Rugby’s wildcard in 2026, but will return to his cricketing roots for the 2027 match.

“It was fun to hang with the rugby boys but I’m going back to where I belong,” Southee said.

“That means the pressure is on to defend cricket’s honour this time around.

“This isn’t a game proper cricketers can afford to lose.

“So, I’ll be reaching out to a few of the boys to make sure we have plenty of firepower to unleash on Team Rugby + Friends at Hagley Oval in January.”

Southee’s international teammate, Lou Vincent, was the first major player announcement for Team Cricket, with the hard-hitting batsman set to make his third appearance at the T20 Black Clash.

Vincent – whose one-handed catch to remove Michael Hussey was a highlight of the 2026 event – is likely to square off against Black Clash legend Israel Dagg.

Dagg, a fast-bowling former All Blacks and Crusaders finisher, will return for Team Rugby + Friends for the first time since 2023.

ChristchurchNZ’s head of major events, Karena Finnie, said the event was also a great chance for people to explore Christchurch.

“The city is abuzz peak summer, there’s so much on and what better time to attend the country’s cross-code cricket spectacle and exploring everything Ōtautahi has to offer.

“This fifth Hagley Oval Hot Spring T20 Black Clash will light up the city on Friday night, giving anyone new or returning to Christchurch the chance to take a long weekend and really soak up the full Christchurch experience.

“With the venue an easy stroll from the city, attendees will find a vibrant rejuvenated hub overflowing with hot spots right in the heart of the city.”

Event director Carlena Limmer said the tweaks to an event that has established itself as a staple of the Kiwi sporting summer would take it to the next level.

“We’re opening up the opportunity for other athletes to showcase their cricketing prowess on one of the biggest sporting stages of the year.

“It’s going to be fascinating to see who among our nation’s sporting heroes puts their hands up to showcase their – so far – hidden talent and play alongside some of New Zealand’s biggest rugby stars.

“And it’s great to be heading back to Ōtautahi Christchurch – the city where it all began and where the good times continue to roll.”

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