Lou Vincent Returns for Black Clash at Hagley Oval

Lou Vincent will climb out of a Hot Spring Spa pool and straight back into the national sporting conversation this summer, as the former Black Cap prepares for his third appearance in the Black Clash.

The 2025 fixture marked an emotional return for Vincent when his life ban from playing cricket was lifted. Now he’s back again, a fully-fledged part of an event that has grown into one of New Zealand’s most-watched sporting mash-ups.

He won’t be the only familiar face.

Brent “Buck” Walsh, who lit up the 2022 edition with a punchy 34 – the last time Team Rugby tasted victory – is also locked in. Walsh will reconnect with heavyweight company, joining forces with former All Blacks stars Kieran Read and Israel Dagg as rugby’s finest again trade studs for spikes.

On the other side of the divide, Neil Wagner gets another crack with the ball in hand.

For Wagner, the Black Clash offers something rare: a return to the field alongside long-time international teammate Tim Southee, who will again captain Team Cricket. Wagner walked away from the international arena in 2024 with 260 Test wickets and fifth place on New Zealand’s all-time list, his name etched alongside the country’s great fast bowlers.

He featured in last year’s Black Clash, taking the new ball but enduring a rough night, going for 52 runs from his four overs and never making it to the crease with the bat. Competitive as ever, he now has the chance to rewrite that particular chapter.

Hagley Oval will stage the contest for the fifth time, a venue that has become synonymous with the event’s blend of spectacle and genuine sporting edge.

Event Director's Vision

Event director Carlena Limmer believes this edition can outstrip anything that has come before.

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

Team Cricket arrive as defending champions after edging the 2026 clash by five runs, a margin that underlined how fine the line has become between the codes.

Ticket demand is already building. Pre-sale seats opened on Tuesday, and the gates are now thrown wide to the general public. The stage is set again at Hagley Oval; the only question is which set of stars will own it this time.