Aaron Westerby (Captain)

Taking the honoured position of Captain, Aaron Westerby sees it as his responsibility to help the New Zealand team reach a good placing at the Event.  Aaron started playing croquet in 1986 and his career highlights have included winning the 1994 and 1995 NZ mixed doubles title with his grandmother as well as being named "player of the series" at the 2010 Trans Tasman.  Not one to take his position lightly he regards the MacRobertson shield event to be the pinnacle of competitive croquet and is proud to have a group of people that are very committed to the sport who will fight on even in adversity. "This quality will help us win matches on the margin", he says.

He believes we have a strong team this year and is looking forward to taking them to Great Britain. "All the players have earned their place".  He is well aware of the pressures that such a competition can have on the players both physically and mentally. "It's a tough event and it does have a reputation for breaking the odd player completely so as captain of the side I will be looking out for signs of stress among the team and making sure it doesn't get on top of anyone. "I would to thank all the interest and support from the clubs, players and Croquet NZ.  This means that as a team we can focus on training and our performance at the event without having to worry too much about finances".

Greg Bryant

A veteran of the MacRobertson shield event, this will be Greg's fourth tour having played in the 1993, 2003 and 2006 events.  Greg has played croquet for about thirty years after he took his grandmother to an open day and discovered the sport to be more to his liking.  "It was like snooker on grass, I liked it immediately and have played ever since," he says.

He realises that the Mac Robertson event is always gruelling competition.  "It will be a hard fought event.  Great Britain is a great team and always plays hard.  I'm looking forward to better results than we have had in previous years.  Our goal is to win, or at least place second".

Greg has played with all his teammates previously which will increase the team dynamic over there.  Greg had been practicing with a new mallet which he hopes will give him an edge in the competition.  "I have always played with a basic mallet.  Perhaps the most basic," he laughs. "I have always resisted change but now realise that I needed to upgrade after playing around with a weighted mallet and seeing the benefits".

Greg is hungry for the win and when asked of his personal goal at the tournament he replies, "It's been a long time since we have been prominent in the MacRobertson competition and where we sit. I am bloody determined to improve our standing".

Paddy Chapman

The youngest member of the team, Paddy Chapman is no stranger to the event having participated in the 2006 competition in Australia. Paddy began playing croquet 11 years ago and with the aid of weekly coaching sessions by seven time NZ Open winner John Prince he has great success within the New Zealand Croquet scene.  As well as competing in the Mac Robertson shield Paddy has been a part of the last two winning Trans Tasman events and recently won the NZ Open Championship. Paddy speaks highly of his team mates and enjoys participating in team Croquet events.

"My favourite events are team events. I've known all of my MacRobertson team mates for years and get along well with all of them.  One of the strengths the New Zealand team has over other countries is that our team always gets along well.  I believe it is the key factor in much of our previous Trans Tasman success.  I think New Zealand is in with a great chance this time around.  We have only two newcomers to the event and they are both extremely good players.  We will take each match as it comes and focus on beating Australia which we will face first".

Jenny Clarke

Representing New Zealand Croquet playing women is Jenny Clarke.  It has been many years since a woman was chosen for the competition and they couldn't have picked a stronger player.  She started her career 11 years ago after some free lessons at Oxford University Jenny has had many highlights including; "winning the NZ Open doubles with Chris Clarke (her husband) and winning the 2007 Swiss Open to name a few", she says.  Jenny is in an unusual situation as she will be playing against her husband and coach Chris Clarke who will be playing for Great Britain. "I am very happy with this", she says. "Chris is supportive and genuine in his praise.  “It is always pleasing to be able to perform at one's best against your coach. It shows gratitude for their teaching".

She believes that team unity will be an asset in the competition and this is shown with the high praise she gives them, "My team mates are an awesome bunch. I have enjoyed spending time with them in tournaments or on tour with the Trans Tasman.  Our compatibility will be a strength for us overseas".

Paul Skinley

Paul Skinley was born into a Croquet playing family and started playing as soon as he was old enough to join a club.  "My mother played while carrying me and a week afterwards she was back on the courts again".  With such an early start, and backing it was of no surprise to see him rise through the Croquet ranks.  Paul adds a level of experience to the team being a veteran of the MacRobertson shield events, and having played and won in the 1979 and 1986 events.  Paul's best local success came at the North Island National Championships where he won the singles, doubles and open divisions.

When asked about his previous Mac Robertson experiences Paul says, "When playing at the MacRobertson Shield event it is 18 days of solid competition, it is difficult to stay focused for the event.  You have to try and be in your best form and if you're not on form you have to find a way to get it back quickly".

It has been a tough few years with Paul having to recover from an accident which required him to learn to walk again.  He is now back on his feet and ready to represent New Zealand to the best of his abilities. "It means a lot to be selected and to be at a level to compete.  It is a good feeling to get back into form and achieve consistent results.

Michael Wright

Looking to make a splash at his first MacRobertson Shield title is Michael Wright.  Originally from South Africa, Michael immigrated to New Zealand 12 years ago and started playing croquet a year later after attended an open day at the local club and enjoying the game immediately.  Michael has enjoyed success during his career but his highlight was during the Top 8 Invitational where he placed second to team mate and Captain Aaron Westerby.  As well as this achievement his name appears consistently throughout the leader boards of tournaments.

He is aware that he will be fighting an uphill battle as the odds are against him but he is eager to prove he is worthy of the competition.  "Currently I am ranked 50th in the world which makes me the lowest ranked player in the competition.  On paper I should lose everything," he laughs.  "My goal is to be well prepared and play my best from game to game and give it my all".

"I am proud to be representing my adopted country at the highest level", he states proudly.  Currently Michael is practicing as normal in preparation for the competition and looking forward to the team’s training session to be held in Christchurch before the event.

Charles Jones (Manager)

No stranger to International Croquet, and current President of the World Croquet Federation, Charles was first involved in the MacRobertson Shield in the 1979 series in New Zealand. Charles has managed the last four New Zealand MacRobertson teams and also six successful Trans Tasman teams.  Charles has also played or officiated in the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, South Africa, United States, Egypt and Australia.