Batch adds trio to Kookaburras' European travelling party

Kookaburras Head Coach Colin Batch will take three players in addition to the Commonwealth Games squad for the team’s final stages of preparation in Europe.

Dylan Martin, Ky Willott and goalkeeper Ben Rennie will depart with the Kookaburras’ Commonwealth Games travelling party on 9 July 2022.

Rennie will travel to Europe as cover for Johan Durst, who will remain in Australia for the birth of his and his wife’s first child.

Durst is expected to join the Kookaburras squad in the week before they travel to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games.

The Kookaburras will first head to Spain for three internationals against Spain’s national men’s team on 15, 17 & 18 July.

This will be followed by two matches against recently crowned FIH Pro League Champions, the Netherlands on 23 and 25 July.

Batch said the international matches and experience would be invaluable in the Kookaburras’ attempt to win a seventh consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal and for the three players who have been added to the group.

“We are pleased to be taking Dylan, Ky and Ben with us to Europe for the final part of our Commonwealth Games preparation,” said Batch.

“Having these players with us will benefit and enhance our training, while also providing backup if anything was to happen with injuries to any of the guys who have been selected.

“Playing against Spain and the Netherlands will be a ‘mini tour’ of sorts before we get to Birmingham, so it will provide a terrific gauge on where we are at as we have only played against two countries since the Olympics last year.

“We look forward to heading away as a group and it’s great to have the depth of talent that we can bring these three players away with us and they can slot in seamlessly if and when needed.”

Kookaburras European travelling squad