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Meet Team Australia
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We’re fair dinkum thrilled to welcome Australia back for their 4th dust-up with the Yanks. Once polo arrived down under, the Aussies made it their own—swapping marmalade for meat pies and bringing a sun-soaked swagger to the sport, becoming a global powerhouse contender. With an untarnished record since making its Polo Series debut in 1994, they’re back with bigger than life grit, gumption, and mallets swinging. The home team is ready for the challenge—so buckle up for a proper nail-biter.
The Blokes in the Saddle:
Sam Hopkinson (Team Captain) – grew up a Kiwi rugby prodigy before marrying an Aussie and swapping scrums for saddles. A former six-goal pro with stints in the UK, he now runs F3 Urban Polo—three-a-side spectacles popping up in cities worldwide, with New York next on the list. Fifteen years into Aussie life, Sam fancies himself the Nacho Figueras of Down Under—though with a bit more grit and a lot less hair gel.
Angus Campbell – Leading the charge is Angus “Gus” Campbell, making his fourth tour to Newport—32 years after his first. A grazier by trade (think John Dutton meets Crocodile Dundee), Gus is President of the historic Goulburn Polo Club, a former 4-goal international, and a true family man. Fresh off a four-day 50th in Montenegro, he brings outback grit, polished skill, and a fair dose of Aussie spirit, embodying the best of Australian polo and serving as a first-class ambassador abroad.
Jeremy Bayard – has been swinging a mallet for 43 years and still reckons he’s Australia’s most passionate polo tragic. President of NSW Polo and founder of the Australian Polo Hall of Fame, this seasoned entrepreneur—now dabbling in private credit and green energy—brings boundless enthusiasm to the field. And in true Aussie fashion, he’s got one request: if there are any doctors in the crowd, please stay sober until after the match!
Nick “Willsy” Wills – may have come to polo later in life, but he’s been making up for lost chukkas in style. As the owner of some of Australia’s top hotels and bars, he knows how to keep spirits high—and true to form, if the Aussies pull off a win, he’ll be the first to shout the tequilas!
The Festivities:
It all kicks off Friday, Sept. 12 with yachts at Palm Beach Motor Yachts, then Sydney Sundowners overlooking the Newport harbor and its Boat Show takeover, followed by the team celebration at Clarke Cooke House —an soirée where exciting boats and Newport sunsets mingle with Aussie laid-back charm.
Then on Saturday at 4PM, the Newport International Polo Series presented by Turkish Airlines cranks up the action: USA vs. Australia. After the last chukka, the teams will swap saddles for a spot at the bar in the TD Pavilion, where an après-polo feast from Little Fish Tacos & Ceviche awaits—lobster rolls, ceviche, and gourmet bites with mateship in spades. From the bush to the beaches, Australia brings a breed of polo that’s rugged, lively, and cheeky as they come—proof that when the Aussies ride in, it’s never just sport, it’s a show.