This is not the first time when New Zealand take part in the IHF Men’s Youth World Championship, with their first appearance coming at Argentina 2011, when they ended up on the last place, the 20th, with six losses from six matches and a big gap in terms of the goal difference, 97:307.

After a 12-year hiatus, they are coming back to the world handball flagship competition, but New Zealand’s ambitions are definitely toned down, with the only objective at Croatia 2023 being to hand their players some much-needed experience before making the big step towards the junior and senior categories.

New Zealand sealed their berth for Croatia 2023 at the IHF Trophy Oceania last autumn when they finished on the second place behind Tahiti, but due to Tahiti’s status as associated members, the runners-up, New Zealand, secured the spot instead.

With all the players in the squad plying their trade domestically in New Zealand, there is not much experience in the roster, with the Oceania side needing a miracle to take something from the first three games in the preliminary round against Hungary, Slovenia and Morocco.

Later in the tournament, New Zealand might target a win, avoiding to finishing last in the competition, with the Pringot brothers, Hector and Paul, running the back line with good results in the past and they hope to do the same at Croatia 2023.

Key players: Hector Pringot (right back), Paul Pringot (left back), Josh Bruce-Campbell (centre back)
Qualification for Croatia 2023: 2022 IHF Trophy Oceania – 2nd place
History in the tournament: 2011: 20th 
Group at Croatia 2023: Group B (Hungary, Slovenia, Morocco, New Zealand)