BLOGGING THE VIEW: 5 things you should know about the Polocrosse World Cup

We’re the reigning Rugby World Cup champions but we could become the reigning Polocrosse World Cup champions if things go our way over the next two weeks!

If you don’t know where the World Cup is taking place, who’s competing, or why we’re strong contenders, here are a few fast facts.

1. South Africa is hosting the Polocrosse World Cup

For the second time in Polocrosse World Cup history, the Durban Shongweni Club is hosting this exciting event. The 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup is taking place from 17 to 28 July, with polocrosse action running alongside a festival element.

2. Polocrosse is a combination sport

Polocrosse is a mixture of polo and lacrosse, and is played on horseback. While some say the origins date back to ancient Persian times, others assign it to English origins, while still others (mostly Australian) say the sport originated in Australia. Wherever it comes from, it’s now played across the globe!

3. SA among the top 8 countries

We’re the two-time champions but will be up against 7 of the best, all ranked according to the 2019 Adina Polocrosse World Cup. This includes reigning champions Australia, as well as New Zealand, Zambia, England, Ireland, the United States of America and Zimbabwe.

4. The one-horse sport

In an effort to equalise the playing field, polocrosse players can ride only one horse for the whole tournament. This means someone who owns one horse is playing with the same advantage as an entrant with many horses.

5. Tournament format

The teams will compete in a round-robin format for the first round (20 to 22 July), with six games per pool. Thereafter, the top two teams from each group will compete in the second round (25 to 28 July) before the epic final match on 28 July.

Pool A: Australia (1), Zambia (4), England (5), USA (8)
Pool B: South Africa (2), New Zealand (3), Ireland (6), Zimbabwe (7)

If you’re intrigued, find out more at www.polocrosseworldcup2024.com

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