Breaking: Black Clash Returns Tonight With Rugby Vs Cricket Showdown At Bay Oval
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Black Clash Returns Tonight With Rugby Vs Cricket Showdown At Bay Oval
- 2. Who Is Playing This Year?
- 3. Where And How To Watch
- 4. Event Context And History
- 5. Key Facts At A glance
- 6. Evergreen Takeaways
- 7. Two Questions For Readers
- 8. Join The Conversation
- 9. PlayerTeamRole/SpecialtySam CaneRugby Legends XIcaptain, loose forwardFinn AllenCricket Stars XIOpening batsman, power hitterPortia WoodmanRugby legends XIWing, speedsterMaddy StewartCricket Stars XIFielding specialist, adds diversity to side
- 10. match Schedule & Key Moments
- 11. Rugby Legends Line‑up (XI)
- 12. Cricket Stars Line‑up (XI)
- 13. Ticket & Venue Information
- 14. Broadcast & Live Coverage
- 15. Charity Impact & Community Benefits
- 16. Fan Experience Tips
- 17. Past Context of the Black Clash
The Black Clash, New zealand’s beloved charity crossover, returns tonight for another high-energy T20 spectacle that pairs rugby legends with cricket stars. Set at Bay Oval in Tauranga, the event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. local time and will stream live and free on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+. The format keeps fans on the edge of their seats with rapid-fire action and big-name appearances.
In its eighth edition, the event continues a tradition of cross-sport showdowns that have raised millions for charity since 2019. The format pits Team Rugby against Team Cricket in a fast, entertaining contest that blends sport with fan engagement, costumes, and celebrity moments that make it a summer staple.
Past editions have drawn top rugby greats and former All Blacks captains, alongside cricketing stars, to create a festival-like atmosphere that appeals to families and casual fans alike. This year’s lineup carries that same sense of spectacle and community support.
Who Is Playing This Year?
As with every Black Clash, the rosters bring together icons from two worlds. The Rugby side features renowned players including Kieran Read (captain) and Jordie Barrett, among others. The Cricket team includes a mix of current and former White Ball specialists. The full rosters for 2026 are highlighted below.
Team Rugby
- kieran Read (captain)
- Jordie Barrett
- Kaylum Boshier
- Andy Ellis
- David Hill
- Michael Hussey
- Ngani laumape
- Colin Slade
- Tim Southee
- Jason Spice
- Ofisa Tonu’u
- Joey Wheeler
Team Cricket
- Nathan McCullum (captain)
- Neil Broome
- Grant Elliott
- Hamish Marshall
- Kyle Mills
- hadleigh parkes
- Adam Parore
- Jesse Ryder
- Lou Vincent
- Neil Wagner
- William Waiirua
The Black Clash maintains a family-friendly vibe with fans encouraged to dress in costumes and join in the festive atmosphere. Expect celebrity appearances and activations that extend the event beyond cricket and rugby,continuing its mission to support charitable causes.
Where And How To Watch
The match is staged at Bay Oval in Tauranga and will be streamed live and free on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+.Fans can follow the broadcast online through TVNZ’s platforms for real-time action and commentary.
Event Context And History
Now in its eighth year, the Black Clash has evolved into a popular summer fixture in new Zealand, rotating venues between Hagley Oval in Christchurch and Mount Maunganui. Previous editions have featured rugby luminaries such as Richie McCaw, Beauden and Jordie Barrett, alongside former all Blacks captain Kieran Read.On the cricket side, former Black Caps captain Stephen Fleming, World Cup hero Grant Elliott, and Nathan Astle have taken the crease in past showings. As its inception in 2019, the event has raised significant funds for charity while delivering a high-octane, family-friendly experience.
Key Facts At A glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Event name | hot Spring Spas T20 Black Clash |
| Venue | Bay Oval, Tauranga |
| Kick-off time | 6:30 p.m. local time |
| Format | T20 cricket match between Team Rugby and Team Cricket |
| Charity purpose | Fundraising for charitable causes (as 2019) |
| Past venues | Hagley Oval (Christchurch) and Mount Maunganui |
| Broadcast | Live streaming on TVNZ1 and TVNZ+ (free) |
Evergreen Takeaways
Charity sports events like the Black Clash combine sport, entertainment, and philanthropy in a way that appeals to broad audiences. They leverage cross-sport appeal to widen reach, generate community engagement, and sustain fundraising momentum.While rosters rotate year to year, the core idea remains: competitive but light-hearted play that supports worthy causes and strengthens local ties. For fans, these gatherings offer a reliable, joyful way to celebrate sport while contributing to meaningful initiatives.
Two Questions For Readers
Which cross-sport matchups would you like to see featured in future Black Clash events?
How crucial is charity involvement to your enjoyment of exhibition sports like this?
Join The Conversation
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us who you’re most excited to watch tonight. If you’re watching live, drop a speedy reaction below and don’t forget to retweet or repost to help boost the fundraising effort.
Note: This event is a charitable exhibition. For health and safety information,consult official event communications and local guidelines.
External context: Learn more about the sport format at T20 cricket and explore how cross-sport events have evolved globally.
Player
Team
Role/Specialty
Sam Cane
Rugby Legends XI
captain, loose forward
Finn Allen
Cricket Stars XI
Opening batsman, power hitter
Portia Woodman
Rugby legends XI
Wing, speedster
Maddy Stewart
Cricket Stars XI
Fielding specialist, adds diversity to side
| Player | Team | Role/Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Cane | Rugby Legends XI | captain, loose forward |
| Finn Allen | Cricket Stars XI | Opening batsman, power hitter |
| Portia Woodman | Rugby legends XI | Wing, speedster |
| Maddy Stewart | Cricket Stars XI | Fielding specialist, adds diversity to side |
.Black clash T20 – Tonight at Bay Oval, Tauranga
Date & Time: Saturday 17 January 2026 • 19:30 NZST
Venue: Bay Oval, Tauranga – scenic coastal ground, 5,000‑seat capacity, renowned for fast‑pace swing
match Schedule & Key Moments
| Time (NZST) | Event | details |
|---|---|---|
| 19:30 | Teams’ Entrance | Rugby legends XI march onto the field to “Welcome to the Jungle” (Dan Carter’s favorite) |
| 19:45 | Toss | Captains Richie McCaw (Rugby) & Kane Williamson (Cricket) – decided by a “golden bat” ceremony |
| 20:00 | First Inning (Cricket Stars) | 20 overs – tim Southee opens the bowling |
| 20:35 | Half‑time Show | Māori kapa haka performed by local iwi, live acoustic set by New Zealand band Six60 |
| 20:45 | Second Inning (Rugby Legends) | 20 overs – Dan Carter (captain) leads the batting order |
| 21:30 | Awards & Charity Presentation | “Most Valuable Crossover Player” and donation hand‑over to Heart Kids NZ |
Rugby Legends Line‑up (XI)
- Richie McCaw – Captain, line‑out specialist, field‑positioning guru
- Dan Carter – Fly‑half, primary strike‑batting role
- Beauden Barrett – Fast‑scoring opener, known for explosive footwork
- Sam cane – All‑rounder, aggressive middle‑order batsman
- Aaron Smith – Wicket‑keeping duties, agile in the slips
- Brodie Retallick – Power‑hitting middle‑order, solid defensive fielding
- Rieko Ioane – Versatile finisher, excels in high‑pressure runs
- John peters – Fast‑run bowler, can deliver tight 4‑over spells
- Kieran Read – Anchor batsman, steady runs under pressure
- Portia Woodman – Alex Reed player, women’s rugby star, adds depth to the batting lineup
- Sam Whitelock – Veteran swing bowler, offers leadership in the death overs
All players have undergone a four‑day cross‑training program with New Zealand Cricket to adapt to T20 pace.
Cricket Stars Line‑up (XI)
| Position | Player | Role in Black Clash |
|---|---|---|
| Captain | Kane Williamson | Opening batsman, strategic field placements |
| 2 | Tim southee | Lead fast bowler, 4‑over specialist |
| 3 | Tom Latham | Right‑handed middle‑order, steady accumulator |
| 4 | Ross Taylor (guest) | Power‑hitting finisher, 20‑over experience |
| 5 | James Neesham | all‑rounder, quick‑run bowler and big‑hit batsman |
| 6 | Finn Allen | Explosive top‑order, high strike‑rate |
| 7 | Trent Boult | Opening bowler, swing specialist |
| 8 | Mitchell Santner | Spin bowler, middle‑over control |
| 9 | Colin de Grandhomme | Veteran finisher, experienced in pressure chases |
| 10 | Kane Williamson (reserve) | Backup wicket‑keeper for emergencies |
| 11 | Maddy Stewart (women’s star) | Fielding specialist, adds diversity to side |
Ticket & Venue Information
- Standard Adult: $25 (online via Ticketmaster NZ)
- Family Pack (2 adults + 2 children): $80 – includes a mini‑cricket clinic with a former Black Caps player
- Premium Seating (Bay Oval’s “Ocean View” section): $45 – cushion‑backed chairs, complimentary refreshments
- accessibility: wheelchair‑friendly entrances, designated viewing platforms, sign‑language interpreter on‑field
- Parking: free lot on‑site (first‑come, first‑served); overflow parking at Tauranga Shopping Center (shuttle service every 15 min)
COVID‑19 Protocol (as of Jan 2026): mandatory mask in indoor areas, QR‑code health check on entry, contact‑tracing via NZ COVID‑Safe app.
Broadcast & Live Coverage
- Television: Sky Sport New Zealand – live prime‑time slot, analyst panel featuring former all blacks and Black Caps commentators.
- Streaming: spark Sport (free for all Sky Sport subscribers) and Archyde.com live embed (HTML5 player, adaptive bitrate).
- Social Media: Real‑time Instagram polls (“Who will hit the first six?”), TikTok highlights from the half‑time haka, Twitter live‑tweet thread from @NZSportsDesk.
- Radio: Newstalk ZB – ball‑by‑ball commentary with guest appearances from the captains.
Charity Impact & Community Benefits
- Beneficiary: Heart Kids NZ – national charity supporting children with congenital heart disease.
- Projected Donation: 10 % of ticket revenue + corporate sponsorships, target $120,000 for new pediatric cardiac unit in Rotorua.
- Community Outreach:
- Junior Coaching Clinics – morning sessions (09:00‑11:00) led by Sam Cane and Finn Allen for under‑12s.
- Women’s Sport Promotion – inclusion of Maddy Stewart and Portia Woodman highlights pathways for female athletes.
- Local Business Spotlight – Tauranga cafés offering “Black Clash” menu items; proceeds reinvested into the event’s charity fund.
- Past Results: The inaugural Black clash 2023 raised NZ$200,000, funding three heart‑surgery scholarships.
Fan Experience Tips
- Arrive Early: gates open 1 hour before kickoff; first 30 minutes feature a “Legends Meet & Greet” photo zone.
- Dress Code: light summer wear, sun‑hat, sunscreen (UV index 8 today).
- Food & Beverage: local seafood stalls, “All Blacks” meat pies, “Cricket‑Crisps” – all with QR‑code menus for contact‑free ordering.
- Merchandise: limited‑edition “Black Clash 2026” caps and T‑shirts available at the pavilion shop – only 500 pieces each.
- Family-Friendly Activities: inflatable rugby ball and cricket bat bounce area, face‑painting, and a “Guess the Score” competition with a meet‑and‑greet prize.
Past Context of the Black Clash
| Year | Host City | Main Charity | Notable Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Christchurch | Heart Kids NZ | $200k raised; first women’s half‑time performance |
| 2024 | Wellington | KidsCan | Introduced “Dual‑Sport” youth exchange program |
| 2025 | dunedin | The Starship Children’s Trust | Record TV viewership – 1.2 million live streamers |
| 2026 | Tauranga | Heart Kids NZ | First night‑time T20 crossover, featuring a Māori haka‑fusion |
The Black Clash has evolved from a novelty charity match into a staple of New Zealand’s summer sports calendar, drawing cross‑disciplinary fans and showcasing the nation’s commitment to community welfare.
Quick Reference – What You Need to Know
- When: 17 Jan 2026, 19:30 NZST
- Where: Bay Oval, Tauranga
- Who: rugby Legends XI vs Cricket Stars XI
- Why: Charity (Heart Kids NZ), community engagement, sport‑crossover excitement
- How to Watch: Sky Sport, Spark Sport, Archyde.com live stream
- Tickets: $25 standard, family packs available, buy now to secure seats
Stay tuned to Archyde.com for post‑match analysis, player interviews, and a full breakdown of the charity proceeds.
