England’s polo team has not stopped since the summer. After a historic International Day at Guards in July, the HPA has announced a busy winter programme, and the first match of it has already been won.
Australia: a winning start
On Saturday 8 November, England played at the F3 Polo event at Centennial Park in Australia, a three-a-side game, and won. The team was Will Harper (4), Jimbo Fewster (5) and Ollie Cork (4). The HPA has described the win as a strong start to England’s winter international season.
South Africa: the Val de Vie Test
England face South Africa for the Val de Vie Standard Bank Test Match on Saturday 15 November. It is the first international polo at Val de Vie Estate, and in the Western Cape, in 15 years.
- England: Matt Perry (6, captain), Tom Brodie (5), Marcus Cork (3) and Robbie Slatter (2).
- South Africa: Dane Csaszar (4), Jannie Steenkamp (4, captain), Marek Kanigowski (4) and Alex Watson (4).
Perry returns from an injury earlier in 2025. He made his Coronation Cup debut in 2024. Brodie and Cork have multiple England appearances, including against Ireland and South Africa. Robbie Slatter, who played for Young England in the Buckmaster at Beaufort earlier in the year, will make his senior debut. South Africa’s four players are all rated 4 goals, so the home side is evenly balanced.
The match will be streamed on Polocam, starting at 16:30 South African time, which is 14:30 in the UK, and it will be available through HPA TV.
Hickstead, 17 January
The HPA has also confirmed that the USA will be the opponent for the Arena International at Hickstead on 17 January 2026, when they play for the Bryan Morrison Trophy. The USA last played at Hickstead in 2023. England lost the trophy to Argentina in January this year, so the home side will be looking to win it back.
The week ahead
For now, the focus is on Paarl on Saturday, and we will bring you the result on Monday.
Sources: HPA, England v South Africa at Val de Vie, HPA news, October 2025, HPA news, November 2025
