PERTH, August 30 – England’s men will play nine-a-side international hockey in Australia this November when the International Super Series returns to Perth, Western Australia.
This innovative, nine-a-side variant of hockey was trialled last year with home side Australia winning both the men’s and women’s events. Rule changes include larger goals, 20-minute halves (up from 15 last year) and re-jigged short corners with the ball having to travel outside the 25 before a goal can be scored.
Both the Australian men’s and women’s teams will return to defend their titles. England men are confirmed particiapnts with other international sides to be announced.
Australia men’s coach Ric Charlesworth said: “The Super Series format offers significantly more space, allowing for a more expansive game. In conjunction with the wider goals, the halves have changed from 15 minutes to 20 minutes each. The additional 10 minutes in each match should suit our game style, offering the crowd plenty of goals and excitement.”
“We’re looking forward to a tough match against England, especially after our two strong head-to-head matches during the Olympics. I expect there to be new faces on both sides, so the ongoing Ashes battle continues,” he said.
The International Super Series will be played at the Perth Hockey Stadium in Bentley from November 22 to 25, 2012. The tournament finishes a week ahead of the 2012 Champions Trophy in Melbourne where England and Australia will also compete.
For more information visit: www.hockey.org.au/SS2012
