Benji Culhane, a 23‑year‑old forward from Southland, is set to don the black‑and‑white jersey as the Black Sticks head to Europe for the upcoming World Cup next month. The tournament, scheduled to begin on August 17, will see New Zealand open its campaign against the hosts, the Netherlands, before moving on to Belgium.
A Pivotal Pivot
His path to elite hockey was not a straight line. In 2021, a surprising decision by New Zealand Cricket to withdraw from a World Cup freed up Culhane’s schedule, allowing him to devote himself fully to the sport he had loved since childhood. That year he was also part of a New Zealand U19 cricket squad bound for the West Indies, while simultaneously representing the country’s under‑21 hockey side at the Oceania Cup.
Choosing hockey over cricket, Culhane quickly established himself as a regular fixture in the senior Black Sticks lineup. His blend of speed, vision and defensive tenacity has earned him a place among the team’s most trusted players, and his performances have kept him in contention for the national side ever since.
Speaking about the upcoming tournament, Culhane says the squad is focused on making a strong impression. “We know the competition will be fierce, but we’ve prepared rigorously and we’re hopeful of a good showing,” he says, adding that the experience of playing on European soil will be invaluable for the younger members of the team.
Off the pitch, Culhane remains rooted in his home region. Based in Auckland, he balances a part‑time job with intensive training, while also thinking about how he can give back to hockey in Southland. “The sport gave me so much; now I want to help the next generation grow the game where I started,” he explains.