The warm winter weather, exquisite venues, and welcoming communities make Durban a prime destination for hosting large-scale events, with 2024 showing off the region’s capabilities. The fun continues from 17 to 28 July as the greater Durban area plays host to the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup, with the support of Durban Tourism. The home-side advantage is clearly working, as the South African team has made it into the semi-finals on Friday (26 July) at Durban Shongweni Club, situated in the Valley of 1 000 Hills.
The past few months have seen a surge in the region’s visitors as the province welcomed sports teams and audiences to its shores. From 25 June to 8 July, the KZN North Coast set the scene for the 55th Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill with Brazil’s Ian Gouveia and American Bella Kenworthy taking the titles after two weeks of festival fun.
This coincided with The Hollywoodbets Durban July on 6 July where thousands of visitors descended on Greyville Racecourse to watch Oriental Charm clinching victory at this fashionable event. Durban’s Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium was awash with green and gold on 13 July as the second test match against Ireland got underway, with the visiting side taking a 1-point win against World Champions, the Springboks.
“We are excited to continue this positive tourism momentum as KwaZulu-Natal’s Durban Shongweni Club hosts the Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup from 17 to 28 July 2024,” says Dr Manfred Rohwer, President of The Polocrosse Association of South Africa – proud hosts of the event. “Shongweni hosted the World Cup in 2015 when we won the title for a second time, and it’s so wonderful for our South African team to have the support of the crowds as they go for the 3rd World Cup win.”
Tim Lombard, CMO of Ignition Group says the organisation’s support of the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup is also an opportunity to showcase KwaZulu-Natal to the world.
“We have so much pride for KwaZulu-Natal and want to showcase the unlimited possibilities for development and growth of people and the economy. By attracting interest to the region through events such as this, and the tourism spin-off they support, we can demonstrate our competency as an international host and partner, while contributing to the sustainable growth and well-being of KwaZulu-Natal and its people.”
Ranked according to the 2019 Adina Polocrosse World Cup results, South Africa has been joined by 7 other top-competing polocrosse nations including the current reigning champions Australia, New Zealand, Zambia, England, Ireland, the United States of America, and Zimbabwe.
Second Round Match Schedule (25 to 28 July 2024)
From Thursday, 25 July, teams will fight for their spots in the world rankings. In addition, a South African Development side has been selected to play against a Rest of the World Barbarian side, featuring players from South America, Canada, and Europe, among others. These exciting matches will be played in between the deciding World Cup games in the coming days, showcasing the up-and-coming talent of South Africa and the polocrosse world.
Thursday, 25 July 2024
8.30am: Barbarian Ladies vs PASA Ladies Development Team
10.30am: UK vs Ireland (Game 7)
12.30pm: Barbarian Men’s vs PASA Men’s Development Team
2.30pm: USA vs Zimbabwe (Game 8)
Friday, 26 July 2024 (Semi-Finals)
8.30am: Barbarian Men’s vs PASA Men’s Development Team
10.30am: Zamba vs South Africa (Game 9)
12.30pm: Barbarian Ladies vs PASA Ladies Development Team
2.30pm: Australia vs New Zealand (Game 10)
Saturday, 27 July 2024
8.30am: Barbarian Ladies vs PASA Ladies Development Team
10.30am: Losers of Game 7 vs Losers of Game 8 (7th and 8th place)
12.30pm: Barbarian Men’s vs PASA Men’s Development Team
2.30pm: Winners of Game 7 vs Winners of Game 8 (5th and 6th place)
Sunday, 28 July 2024 (Finals)
10am: 3rd and 4th place playoff
1pm: Finals
Don’t miss the 2024 Ignition Group PWC Entertainment Programme
There is also LOTS of festival fun taking place at Durban Shongweni Club until 28 July. The daily on-field entertainment includes:
- Gumboot dancers, choirs and school marimba bands
- Comedy by Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert
- Music by Qadasi & Maqhinga, The Kickstands, Gwyn Viljoen & Hayden Rattray, Steve Umculo, Carol Souki, Black Whiskey, and Rob Warren & The Lapels
- East Coast Radio broadcasting live on certain days
- Food and beverage vendors selling an array of delicious eats
- Pop-ups selling locally made, handcrafted goods
- Live artwork by Laura Crane Creative
2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup details
BUY TICKETS NOW from TicketPro for the:
- Second Round Polocrosse World Cup (25 to 28 July 2024)
- Day passes, VIP tickets, packages, and parking passes are also available.
For the full schedule of events, visit www.polocrosseworldcup2024.com and keep updated on all 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup information by following @southafricanpolocrosse on Instagram.