VOLLEY BLACKS

ABOUT THE VOLLEY BLACKS

The Volley Blacks  are New Zealand’s senior men’s indoor volleyball team, made up of the country’s top-performing athletes based both domestically and overseas. The programme is targeted at achieving a top 10 ranking in Asia and draws on both locally based and international players to reach that goal.

Domestically, the squad trains in monthly camp-based environments from March to October as part of its national development and preparation strategy.

The international competition cycle spans two years:

  • Year 1: AVC Nations Cup (2025)

  • Year 2: Asian Men’s Championship (2026)

Additional fixtures may include Test Series against Australia, Oceania Championships, or international tours, such as recent opportunities in South America.

Athletes are selected through an initial trial process in Year 1, and via EOI and identification in Year 2. To be considered, athletes must be actively competing in national or international Club or IPC (Inter-Provincial Championships) environments, and able to commit to the demands of international touring and training.

Volley Blacks Coaching & Support Staff

  • Head Coach: Sebastian Gonzalez

  • Assistant Coach: Brendon-Ray Horlock

  • Team Manager: Sue Ballantyne

Team Named for AVC Nations Cup 2026

Volley Blacks 

Alan Hodder – Canterbury

Carrick Corson – Bay of Plenty

Jack McManaway – Bay of Plenty

Kyle Smith – Canterbury

Lancer Leilua-Tiatia – Wellington

Liam Smith – Bay of Plenty

Luke Hulston – Canterbury

Pesa Morrison – Canterbury

Rob Maxwell – Bay of Plenty

Scott Shipton – Auckland

Seth Grant – Canterbury

Thomas Vesty – Canterbury

Troy Hulston – Canterbury

Will Hull – Canterbury

Staff

Sebastian Gonzalez Moreno – Head Coach

Brendon-Ray Horlock – Assistant Coach

Sue Ballantyne – Team Manager

About 

Volley Blacks named for Nations Cup campaign in India

The Volley Blacks squad has been confirmed for the AVC Men’s Nations Cup 2026, set to take place in Ahmedabad from 20–28 June.

This marks the fourth international campaign for the programme since 2023 and continues a period of steady growth for the men’s game in Aotearoa. The selected group reflects that progress, bringing together athletes who have developed through school, club, and national pathways alongside players who already understand what it takes to compete internationally.

Head Coach Sebastian Gonzalez Moreno says the opportunity to compete offshore remains a key part of the programme’s direction.

“We are very excited for the upcoming AVC Men’s Cup, which is our fourth international competition for the VB programme since 2023. These tours are essential for the continued development of our athletes and the growth of our sport in Aotearoa.”

There is a clear intention behind every tour. The experience gained at this level continues to translate back into the domestic game, lifting standards across regions and strengthening the overall pathway.

“Players who have participated in previous campaigns have shown impressive improvement, and the experience they gain is carried back to their clubs and regions. This is why competing on the international stage is so important for us.”

The 2026 squad leans into both development and performance. Younger athletes who have shown strong progression are given the chance to test themselves, while experienced players provide stability and leadership within the group.

“It will be a valuable tournament, providing another important opportunity for our athletes to gain international experience and continue their development.”

Volley Blacks Partnerships

The Volley Blacks are building something special as they head into the AVC Men’s Nations Cup 2026 and are currently seeking funding and partnership support to help power their journey on the international stage. If you’re keen to be part of the growth of volleyball in Aotearoa and back this team, reach out to ella@volleyballnz.org.nz to explore opportunities.

AVC NATIONS CUP - BAHRAIN 2025

Players

AJ Salmon (Canterbury)

Daniel Malcolm (Canterbury

Johann Timmer (North Harbour)

Kameo Wagner (Bay of Plenty)

Mana Placid (Canterbury)

Matthew Butterfield (Canterbury)

Pesamino Morrison (Wellington)

Scott Shipton (Wellington)

Seth Grant (Canterbury)

Thomas Vesty (Canterbury)

Wernich Pheiffer (North Harbour)

Luke McIntosh (Canterbury)

Staff

Sebastian Gonzalez Moreno (Head Coach)

Brendon-Ray Horlock (Assistant Coach)

Susan Ballantyne (Manager)

RESULTS

Matches

17-Jun-25 – South Korea – Pool D – Lost 0–3 (26–28, 13–25, 22–25)

18-Jun-25 – Vietnam – Pool D – Lost 0–3 (23–25, 22–25, 15–25)

22-Jun-25 – Thailand – Classification Round – Lost 0–3 (20–25, 17–25, 25–27)

24-Jun-25 – Philippines – Classification Round – Lost 1–3 (16–25, 25–23, 11–25, 22–25)

Final Result: 11th Place

Thank you to Southern Eye Specialists Laser in Christchurch for supporting our Volley Blacks and their AVC Nations Campaign 2025.