BACKGROUND

For years, there has been ongoing discussion about creating a high-level tournament in Australia, but progress has been limited. This event aims to provide clubs and emerging countries in the region with the opportunity to compete at a high level, promoting the development of the sport.

The competition is designed to be inclusive, offering an option for all clubs that wish to participate while serving as a valuable pathway event for clubs and countries aspiring to reach higher levels.

In addition to complementing the existing Australian Water Polo League (AWL), this event is also intended to support other competitions worldwide, such as those in Asia, North America and World Aquatic events, such as junior world championships. By offering a tournament environment that mirrors World Aquatic conditions, this event helps build a stronger pathway for athletes, clubs, and emerging countries.

Draw and Results

Competition Manual

TOURNAMENT AIM

The Fluidra Australia Cup is all about providing an affordable, high-quality competition that supports the Australian Water Polo League (AWL) and helps clubs and emerging countries across Australia and the Asia-Pacific grow and compete at a higher level. We want this to be a premier tournament on the world stage, connecting with global events like those in Asia, North America, and junior world championships. By creating a competition that mirrors World Aquatic standards, we’re building a strong pathway for athletes, clubs, and regions while making the sport more accessible and inclusive.

TOURNAMENT DETAILS

Canberra, Australia
Tournament Dates:
- Wednesday, Dec 10th - Sunday, Dec 14th 2025
Note: TBC if Tournament begins on Wed 10th or Thu 11th.
Australian Institute of Sport
AIS Aquatic Centre
26 Leverrier St, Bruce ACT 2617
Note: TBC if Tournament to take place at multiple venues across Canberra.
Senior club, regional representative teams and targeted national teams are eligible for this event. Current AWL clubs may enter, but need to comply with eligibility criteria.
To be covered by attending teams. Accommodation can be booked at the AIS, Abode Hotel and the Alivio Tourist Park which are within walking distance or 5 minutes drive from the venues.
Inaugural Tournament Team entry costs $4,900 + GST. AUD
Note: Team entry fees for upcoming Austral Cup TBC.

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INAUGURAL TEAM ENTRIES

Canberra Krakens (ACT)

Men’s Team
Richmond Tigers (VIC)

Men’s & Women’s Teams
Mermaids (QLD)

Women’s Team
Sunshine Coast (QLD)

Men’s Teams
Singapore

Men’s & Women’s Teams
Sydney Uni Lions (NSW)

Women’s Team
New Zealand U20's

Men’s Team
CWPA Barbarians (ACT)

Women’s Team

OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT AMBASSADOR

We’re thrilled to announce that Tony Azevedo and Alice Williams will be the Ambassadors and Commentators for the 2025 Fluidra Australia Cup!

Tony Azevedo, a five-time Olympian and former Team USA Captain, is widely regarded as one of the greatest water polo players of all time. He led Team USA to a 2008 Olympic silver and has played for top clubs across the globe. Tony is now co-founder of 6-8 Sports and will bring his wealth of experience to the tournament’s commentary team.

5x Olympian, Silver medallist (USA)
Co-founder of 6-8 Sports
Regarded as the greatest player in water polo history
Official Ambassador & Lead Commentator

Alice Williams, a back-to-back AWL champion (2024, 2025), 2024 Paris Olympics silver medallist, and highest goal scorer (21 goals), returns as an ambassador and will also join the commentary team. Alice’s career highlights also include her role as the Face of the Brisbane Aquatic Centre for the 2032 Olympics.

2025 AWL Champion & Tournament Team
Silver medallist – 2024 Paris Olympics
Face of the Brisbane Aquatic Centre, 2032 Games
Australia Cup Ambassador & Guest Commentator

TOURNAMENT TIMELINE

2025 Pre-event timeline

February - Email and briefing pack sent to clubs

March - Email and briefing pack sent to clubs

April - Online information session #1

April - Team Expression of Interest (EOI) released

May - Team entries due

June - Team entries invoices sent to participating clubs

July - Team deposits due ($2,000AUD per team entry)

October - Final team entry payment due

November - Online information session #2

November - Draw and training times released

December - Tournament begins

2025 Tournament timeline

Tuesday 9 to Wednesday 10 December - Teams arrive in Canberra

Wednesday 10 December - Training and scrimmage sessions begin / Pre-tournament meeting and welcome dinner @ 6.00pm

Thursday 11 December - Tournament play (Day 1 - round games) @ 9.00am

Friday 12 December - Tournament play (Day 2 - round games)

Saturday 13 December - Tournament play (Day 3 - round games and cross-over)

Sunday 14 December - Tournament play (Day 4 - finals and classification games) / Awards presentations @ 4.00pm

Tournament History

Women's Division Champions

2024 Sydney Uni (NSW)
Women's Grand-Final MVP

2024 Cassie Clark (Sydney Uni)
Men's Division Champions

2024 New Zealand U20’s
Men's Grand-Final MVP

2024 Cole Phillips (New Zealand)

Women’s Tournaments Teams

Imogen Hicks – Tournament MVP (SYD)
Abby Oates (SYD)
Kaia Bottomer (MER)
Kaitlin Davies (CBR)
Keira Rippon (SYD)
Ranice Yap (SGP)
Tio Ji Suan (SGP)
Lucy Gillis (SYD)
Lucy Levenberg-Penklis (SYD)
Poppy Lochran (MER)
Beth Loder (RCH)
Isabelle O’Connor (MER)
Sarah Purcell (CBR)
Ong Xuan Rong (SGP)

Men’s Tournaments Teams

Cole Philips – Tournament MVP (NZ)
Alistar Rogers (NZ)
Goh Wen Zhe (SGP)
Justin Trabinger (CBR)
Matt Wilson (CBR)
Sanjiv Rajandra (SGP)
Sherif Hosni (NZ)
Ben Adams (RCH)
Hamish Ellison (CBR)
Matthias Goh (SGP)
Tim Jolly (SC)
Grayden Reynolds (CBR)
Oliver Schnauer (NZ)
Aaden Staskiewicz (SC)