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
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
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.”
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.
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)
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.
VOLLEYBALL
NEW ZEALAND INC
Sports House, Stadium Drive, Albany, Auckland, New Zealand