SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES CHALLENGE CUP SQUAD

Softball Australia is pleased to announce a 16 man squad to represent Australia at the 2019 TAB Challenge Cup at ELE Stadium Rosedale Park in Albany, New Zealand from 8-10 February.

After finishing fourth at the last TAB Challenge Cup held in 2017, the Australian men will attempt to dethrone reigning champions and the current world number 1 ranked team, the New Zealand Black Sox as well as a tough Japan squad.

In a massive boost to the men’s game in Australia, the TAB Challenge Cup campaign in New Zealand will also be broadcast live to Australian softball fans with FOX SPORTS Australia committing to coverage of the tournament for all three days.

The Australian team will be made up of:
Callum Beashel, Mitchell Brownlow, Lachlan Hay, Jayden Lach, Shaun Lanaghan, Harrison Peters, Jarryd Farrell, Shaun Goffer, Julian Jemmott, Ryan Merriman, Brendon O’Byrne, Tyrell Priestley, James Purcell 
Layton Reid, Josh White, Blake Bell.

It all adds up to seven days of softball early in 2019, an unprecedented amount of coverage never before seen in Australia with the final round of the Asia Pacific Cup and all three days of the inaugural Summer Slam – Fully Loaded Softball series broadcast live on FOX SPORTS Australia.

“We’re delighted FOX SPORTS Australia has seen the potential in softball that our fans and players have seen for a long time,” said David Pryles, Chief Executive Officer of Softball Australia.

“Our men’s team getting television coverage during the TAB Challenge Cup in particular is fantastic for the growth of the sport".

“It’s a huge step forward for the profile of our game, and I wish the Australian team all the best against Japan and New Zealand.”

Head of FOX SPORTS, Peter Campbell, said: “FOX SPORTS is excited to be broadcasting the Australian men’s softball team as they contest the Challenge Cup in New Zealand. This tournament, together with our coverage of the Asia Pacific Cup and exciting new Summer Slam – Fully Loaded Softball format, means we will be showcasing the best of men’s and women’s softball for our subscribers over seven days in February.”

TAB Challenge Cup tickets can be purchased here.