The South African Polocrosse Team will be looking to repeat its 2011 and 2015 winning ways as it takes home-ground advantage in this year’s Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup. Durban Shongweni Club - the equestrian epicentre of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) – will play host to the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup from 19 to 28 July 2024.

Ranked according to the 2019 Adina Polocrosse World Cup results, South Africa will be joined by 7 other top-competing polocrosse nations including the current reigning champions Australia.  And other countries partaking namely; New Zealand, Zambia, England, Ireland, the United States of America, and Zimbabwe. These 8 countries will be participating on 128 horses throughout the prestigious event, provided by the hosting countries' players.

While the Proteas enjoyed a back-to-back victory in 2015 when the host nation defeated Australia in the final 32-25, they were unable to clinch the hat-trick in 2019. Australia turned the tables when the two proud nations met for yet another Polocrosse World Cup final, this time Warwick, Queensland where Australia enjoyed a home-ground win of 34 – 21. The Proteas will be looking to retake their position as number one in this year’s competition.

“We look forward to welcoming all these world-class polocrosse nations to South Africa for what is set to be a thrilling, fast-paced competition,” said Dr Manfred Rohwer, President of The Polocrosse Association of South Africa who are the proud hosts of the event. “The Durban Shongweni Club is no stranger to top-quality polocrosse, having hosted the 2015 World Cup – which welcomed more than 5,000 spectators for the event’s final - as well as hosting High Goal Polocrosse events since 2016.”

Tim Lombard, CMO of Ignition Group says the organisation’s support of the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup is also an opportunity to showcase KwaZulu-Natal to the world:

“We’re incredibly proud of this beautiful province and its unlimited possibilities for development and growth of people and the economy. By attracting interest to the region through events such as this, and the tourism spin-off they support, we can demonstrate our competency as an international host and partner, while contributing to the sustainable growth and well-being of KwaZulu-Natal and its people.”

What you need to know about polocrosse

Polocrosse is a mixture of polo and lacrosse and is played on horseback, with each team consisting of eight players - four men and four ladies. The athleticism of both horse and rider is a ‘must watch’ for audiences, whether equestrian or not. This prestigious World Cup event is a major tourism attraction for KZN, bringing in thousands of visitors who enjoy this thrilling tournament displaying incredible athleticism and horsemanship.

The 8 international teams are divided into Pool A and Pool B according to current world rankings with each pool competing in a round-robin format for the first rounds, with six games per pool. Thereafter, the top two teams from each group will compete in the semi-finals. The finals are always an incredible spectacle, featuring world-class Polocrosse and quality sportsmanship between the two remaining sides.

Pool A: Australia (1), Zambia (4), England (5), USA (8)

Pool B: South Africa (2), New Zealand (3), Ireland (6), Zimbabwe (7)

Beyond the Polocrosse, there will be lots of family-friendly activities on the go catering to all ages and tastes. This includes live entertainment and music, food and beverage vendors, and pop-ups to keep the whole family entertained.

For the full schedule of events, visit www.polocrosseworldcup2024.com. Follow #IGPolocrosseWC on social media platforms to keep up with the action. BUY TICKETS NOW from TicketPro for the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup!