2026 ASIA-OCEANIA CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

TARANAKI WOMEN - LISHUI, CHINA

ABOUT THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 2026 Asia-Oceania Club Championships were the inaugural edition of the intercontinental club competition, held in Lishui, China.

The tournament brought together clubs from across Asia and Oceania, including Taranaki Rink Hockey from New Zealand.

After winning the 2025 National Women's Championship, Taranaki earned the opportunity to compete internationally and represent their club and New Zealand on the international stage.

THE TEAM

Haylee Bedford (C)
Agnès Artús-Ratera
Jemma Bates
Ellen Fletcher
Rebecca Langridge
Hannah Lincoln
Aurelia Opai
Heather Patient
Teal Broughton (GK)
Ruth Opai (GK)

COACH: Fernando Pontoriero Hernandez
MANAGER: Gwendalena Stuart

THE JOURNEY

In August 2026, the Taranaki Women's team made the journey from New Zealand to Lishui, China for the inaugural Asia-Oceania Club Championships. The team arrived in Shanghai before travelling south to Lishui, where they settled in, trained and prepared for the tournament ahead. Away from the rink, the team had the opportunity to experience Chinese culture, explore Lishui and connect with teams from across Asia and Oceania. From their first training session in China through to the semi-finals, it was an unforgettable journey both on and off the rink — creating memories and experiences that will stay with the team long after the tournament.

The Opening Ceremony

Getting creative

Aurelia & Teal the youngest players

The Opening Ceremony

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THE GAMES

ON THE RINK IN LISHUI

Taranaki kicked off their campaign in Group A with a close 4–3 defeat against Japanese club GFC. They responded strongly in their second match, defeating China's Bingo Skate Club 13–0 to advance to the semi-finals. Their tournament concluded in the semi-finals with a 3–1 loss to Australia's Scorpions Kwinana RHC. The finals and third-place matches were ultimately cancelled due to flooding and a typhoon warning in the Lishui region.

GROUP STAGE

TARANAKI NEW ZEALAND 3 – 4 GFC JAPAN

TARANAKI NEW ZEALAND 13 – 0 BINGO SKATE CLUB CHINA

SEMI-FINAL

SCORPIONS KWINANA AUSTRALIA 3 – 1 TARANAKI NEW ZEALAND

THE RESULT — JOINT 3RD PLACE

Taranaki and Vitoria Clube de Macau were awarded joint third place after the remaining finals were cancelled due to severe weather.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS

This journey would not have been possible without the support of the businesses, organisations and individuals who backed our team on the road to China. A huge thank you to everyone who supported the Taranaki Women's team through sponsorship, fundraising, donations and encouragement. Your support helped make this international opportunity possible and allowed our team to represent Taranaki and New Zealand on the international stage.