Hockey: Rowsell gets Black Sticks call-up

Northlander Dwayne Rowsell (right) has joined his sister Jan as having been named for the Black Sticks. Photo / NZME

Northland's Dwayne Rowsell is one of six debutants in the Black Sticks men's team for a four-test series against Japan in Wellington and Kapiti.

The 23-year-old has been given a shot at the international game after impressing for several seasons playing for Auckland in the National Hockey League.

Over that time the defender has developed a handy drag-flick that has seen him play for New Zealand age grade and junior teams, most recently being named in the Black Sticks development squad last month.

Rowsell's selection in the men's team means he is following in the footsteps of his sister Jan, who represented the women's Black Sticks over several seasons.

While the international level might be new to the burly Rowsell, he will have support from fellow Northlander Shay Neal who has also been named in the side to face Japan later this month.

Black Sticks Men's head coach Colin Batch said Rowsell and the five other debutants were being blooded in this series as a need for greater depth in the team had been identified.

"It's always exciting when players debut - six is a large number at once, but this selection is reflective of our need to create more depth in the squad," said Batch.

Rowsell is joined by fellow debutants Richard Bain, Dane Lett, Nic Woods, George Enersen and Richard Joyce.

Balancing out the young talent are experienced campaigners Simon Child, Steve Edwards, Nick Haig, Arun Panchia and Blair Tarrant.

They have all played more than 100 test matches for New Zealand.

The four-test series runs from November 18-22 with two games at the National Hockey Stadium in Newtown, and a further two internationals at Coastlands Kapiti Sports Turf in Paraparaumu.

Following the retirement of veteran Dean Couzins, Batch will be rotating captains during the upcoming Wellington and South Island series although he has announced that explosive striker Simon Child will captain the national hockey side in Wellington and Kapiti.

Following games against Japan, Batch will select a team for the Black Sticks' four test South Island tour with games against Canada in Nelson and Christchurch.

That series is being held from December 9-14.

Rowsell has previously been in the headlines for his former relationship with socialite Jaime Ridge, appearing on the reality show The Ridges.