Black Clash 2027: Tom Walsh and Neil Wagner to play in event in Christchurch
Two of New Zealand’s most recognisable sporting figures will take to the field for next year’s Black Clash Twenty20 cricket showdown at Hagley Oval.
Former world shot put champion and two-time Olympic bronze medallist Tom Walsh will bolster Team Rugby + Friends, while former Black Caps test bowler Neil Wagner will line up for Team Cricket for the event, which takes place on January 22.
The ninth edition of the annual cricket showdown will again pit some of New Zealand’s biggest sporting names against each other, with Team Rugby + Friends captain Kieran Read recruiting reinforcements from outside the rugby world in an attempt to end Team Cricket’s dominance, who hold a 6-2 advantage.
Radio Hauraki and The Alternative Commentary Collective (ACC) are in the Garden City this morning to officially launch the 2027 Hot Spring T20 Black Clash, as it’s officially branded, with a special live breakfast broadcast from Riverside Market.
Hauraki Breakfast host Manaia Stewart and ACC head G. Lane are broadcasting live from 6am to 10am as tickets go on sale for what is described as being “one of New Zealand’s biggest summer sporting events”.
Read and ex-Black Cap Lou Vincent, who is set to make his third Black Clash appearance after an emotional return to the game in 2025 when his life ban from playing the sport was lifted, will join this morning’s show from a Hot Spring Spa pool.
Walsh is no stranger to the Black Clash, having made his mark by scoring 34 runs during his previous appearance in 2022, the last time Team Rugby won a match.
He will link up with former All Blacks Read and Israel Dagg.
For Wagner, the match provides a chance to return to the cricket field alongside former international teammate Tim Southee, who will captain Team Cricket.
Wagner announced his retirement from international cricket in 2024 after taking 260 test wickets to land the fifth spot on New Zealand’s all-time list.
He played in last year’s event, conceding 52 runs off his four overs, while he didn’t bat.
It will be the fifth time Hagley Oval has hosted the event.
Event director Carlena Limmer is expecting the latest edition to be the best yet.
“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 won the 2026 competition by five runs.
Pre-sale tickets went on sale on Tuesday and they are open to the general public from today.