Australia’s next generation of water polo talent is set to take on the world, with the Aussie men preparing to begin their campaign at the World Aquatics Men’s U18 Water Polo Championships in Rio Maior, Portugal this weekend.
Running from 27 June to 4 July, the tournament will bring together 20 of the world’s best nations, creating an exciting opportunity for Australia’s rising stars to test themselves against international competition and continue building towards the future of the sport. Rio Maior will host the event for the first time, welcoming teams from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas and Oceania.
The Australian team enters the championships ready to challenge some of the sport’s strongest nations, opening their campaign against South Africa before a clash with European powerhouse Greece in the first two days of competition.
Head Coach John Fox said the team’s preparation for the tournament has been excellent.
“We are in Bosnia, and we have had a couple of really good hit outs against Spain and Montenegro. Spain won a couple of years ago in this age group, and Montenegro finished in the top six, and went well in the European Champs last year.
“It’s been a really solid week of training, and it’s just enabled us to refine all of our tactics, get ready, and understand what’s required for when we go into Portugal,” he said.
Fox highlighted the value of this opportunity for the next generation of players on the runway to Brisbane 2032.
“This is a really important opportunity for us to test that against the best teams in the world, so can’t understate the importance.
“This age group at the moment, is in the window for 2032. A lot of players can be considered for things, not just here, but beyond here as well, and this is sort of an ideal identification opportunity.”
The championships represent an important step in the national pathway, providing athletes with invaluable experience on the global stage while continuing to build the foundations for future senior representation.
Rising star Lachlan Davies (NSW) said it’s an honour to captain the team in a tournament of this scale.
“I was lucky enough to be named captain two years ago in Malta, and to be named again is an honour, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve.”
“I’m looking forward to leading by example, setting good habits at the start of the tournament that we can carry through to the very end,” he said.
Davies is looking forward to seeing how the team will go in the event as they hope to bring home some silverware.
“As a team we’re definitely striving for the medal positions,” he said.
“It’s going to be tough, especially with Greece in our group. The game against Greece will really determine our tournament.”
With international experience, high-pressure matches and the chance to compete against the world’s best young athletes on the line, the week ahead promises to be a significant chapter in the development of Australia’s newest generation of water polo talent.
Australian Fixtures
Match 1
Australia v South Africa
Date: Saturday 27 June 2026
Time (Portugal): 12:00pm
Time (AEST): 8:00pm
Match 2
Australia v Greece
Date: Sunday 28 June
Time (Portugal): 10:30am
Time (AEST): 6:30pm
Australia’s full schedule, results and updates will be available throughout the tournament here.
Australian Men’s U18 Team
Alexander Woolfe (SNB, NSW)
Callum Pugh (Melville/Fremantle, WA)
Cooper Semmens (SNB/Drummoyne, NSW)
Dylan Jennison (UQ/Thunder, QLD)
Ivan Zorotovic (Melville/Fremantle, WA)
Jake Cox (Sydney Uni, NSW)
Jake Taboni (UWA, WA)
Jett Semmens (SNB/Drummoyne, NSW)
Lachlan Davies (SNB/Drummoyne, NSW)
Mitchell Lazarus (UQ/Thunder, QLD)
Oliver Moncur (UQ/Thunder, QLD)
Sam Regan (UWA, WA)
Savo Todic (UNSW Wests, NSW)
Toby Gould (Sydney Uni, NSW)
