Hockeyroos trio named to lead 2026 FIH Women’s World Cup charge

The Hockeyroos are proud to announce that Grace Stewart, Kaitlin Nobbs and Claire Colwill will co-captain the Australian women’s hockey team to the 2026 FIH World Cup.
 
The trio were officially unveiled as the 2025 and 2026 captains, in front of players, coaches and staff, ahead of the trip to Europe for the final stages of the 2024/25 FIH Pro League, where they will continue to vie for 2026 World Cup qualification, in Europe, or at the Oceania Cup in Darwin in September.
 
The New South Wales duo of Grace and Kaitlin retain the captaincy, having led the side during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, while Queensland’s Claire Colwill steps into the role officially for the first time in her career.
 
“There aren’t really any words that could describe the feeling of being named as captain for the Hockeyroos,” Claire reflected.
 
“I feel privileged and honoured to be in this position. I took a moment to reflect on my own values and those of the team, and they’re very aligned. It was a no-brainer for me, I thought, ‘Let’s take it on!’”
 
Claire assumes the role following her Olympic debut in Paris and following the retirements of long-serving Hockeyroos Jane Claxton and Brooke Peris late last year.
 
“I’ve learned so much about how to lead from Kaitlin and Grace, but also from the Hockeyroos who led the team when I started my career, particularly Jane and Brooke,” Claire added.

“There’s a considerable legacy that has been built over time, and I’m just stepping into their shoes and ensuring I continue that legacy.”
 
“I don’t take this leadership role lightly,” Grace said.
 
“It’s incredibly special to play for Australia, let alone to be recognised as a leader of the Hockeyroos by our peers, and the co-captaincy trio works. There’s no pressure on either one of us to be a sole captain and we bounce off each other nicely.  Claire is incredibly organised and Kaitlin is a little more fearless and gutsy out of the three of us.
 
“We have a reasonably new, exciting, young group that is gelling seamlessly right now. They bring a fast-paced energy to our game and to the overall vibe of the group and it keeps the likes of Kaitlin and me young! We’re ensuring we remain level-headed while using that strength to our advantage with a few big jobs ahead.”
 
Head Coach Katrina Powell endorsed the trio, saying they embody the Hockeyroos’ values and the leadership qualities essential to guide the group through a pivotal period.
 
“Grace, Kaitlin and Claire each bring their own strengths to the captaincy, particularly in their ability to guide through their actions both on the pitch and off it,” Katrina said.
 
“Grace and Kaitlin have been vital to the spine of our squad for quite some time now, while Claire has shown strong leadership qualities as she continues to thrive at the top level.
 
“All three have earned the respect of the group through their professionalism, resilience, and commitment to our team values. With major tournaments on the horizon, I have every confidence they’ll lead and continue the Hockeyroos legacy with pride.”
 
The next chapter begins at the FIH Pro League in Amsterdam tonight, when the Hockeyroos take on the world number one hosts, the Netherlands, in back-to-back clashes at 9:30pm AEST (Saturday) and 10:30pm AEST (Sunday).
 
The squad will then take on England, India, and Germany in a push for Pro League medals before returning home to prepare for the Oceania Cup and World Cup Qualifier in Darwin from 4–7 September, where they’ll face rivals New Zealand.
 
Full FIH Pro League fixtures & results
 
All Hockeyroos and Kookaburras matches will be broadcast LIVE and free on 7plus.

Hockeyroos FIH Pro League UK/Europe Tour Schedule

Amsterdam, Netherlands
Saturday, 7 June  – 9.30pm AEST / 7.30pm AWST – Netherlands v Hockeyroos
Sunday, 8 June  – 10.30pm AEST / 8.30pm AWST – Netherlands v Hockeyroos

London, England
Saturday, 14 June – 8.00pm AEST / 6.00pm AWST – Hockeyroos v India
Sunday, 15 June – 7.30pm AEST / 5.30pm AWST – India v Hockeyroos
Tuesday, 17 June – 8.00pm AEST / 6.00pm AWST - England v Hockeyroos
Thursday, 19 June – 2.45am AEST / 12.45am AWST - England v Hockeyroos

Berlin, Germany
Sunday, 22 June – 12.30am AEST / 10.30pm AWST (Saturday, 21 June) – Germany v Hockeyroos
Sunday, 22 June – 10.00pm AEST / 8.00pm AWST – Germany v Hockeyroos