By Andrea McCullagh
Photos by Mathieu Guinand Photography
AUS/NZ vs The Rest of the World is a favourite on the beach volleyball calendar every year and it’s always an honour for the players to represent their nation.
The Rest of the World teams had players from international volleyball hotspots including Italy, Slovakia and Canada and they won three out of four games on Australia Day. The AUS/NZ squad won the AA women’s game.
The tournament debuted in 2015 after a brainstorming session by players Aaron Crook and Marc Carroll and they were thrilled to see Volume 7 hit the sand earlier this week.
“It’s popular because it brings together the entire beach volleyball community for some high-level volleyball and friendly rivalry,” Aaron says.
“There’s music and a party vibe all centred on one court.”
It is traditionally hosted on New Year’s Eve but was delayed this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.
There’s a festival atmosphere at the tournament and entertaining live commentary from fellow players on the sidelines.
The teams are made up of the best available players from the NBVA and NSW Tour and there are four players on the court for each team with up to three subs ready to step in.
There has also been movement over the years on what side players line out for.
“We have seen allegiances change over the years when Australian permanent residency or citizenship is gained,” Marc says.
“And sometimes Australians draw on loose connections to their international roots.”
Some of the world’s best players have also taken part in AUS/NZ vs The Rest of the World. Olympians Kerri Pottharst, Julien Prosser and Becchara Palmer have all played at the tournament alongside many other elite players including Alice Rohkamper and Damien Schumann.
View more photos here
