The Volts will pay tribute to their Southland supporters with the unveiling of a Southland-inspired Ford Trophy jersey, set to be worn when they face Canterbury tomorrow at Queen’s Park in Invercargill. 

Drawing inspiration from the iconic Southland Stags jerseys of the late 1990s and early 2000s, the design is expected to strike a chord with southern fans. The initiative marks a first for Otago Cricket and is already generating strong interest across the region. 

Volts all-rounder and proud Southlander Ben Lockrose said the occasion would be a memorable one. “Playing in this jersey will be pretty special, especially doing it at home in front of the local Southland crowd,” Lockrose said. “Having a jersey specifically designed to pay tribute to the region is a really cool opportunity.” 

Southland’s connection to the Otago Cricket Association has been a prominent talking point in recent times, with current and former players, along with supporters, calling for stronger regional recognition — including advocacy for the team to be renamed the ‘Southern Volts’. The one-off jersey reflects that sentiment, blending colours from across the region: Dunedin blue, Otago Country gold, and the maroon of Southland and North Otago, with a strong emphasis on Southland maroon. 

Local Cricket Development Officer Jack Hilton said excitement in the Southland community is already building. “The community down here is already stoked about the jersey, and we haven’t even seen it yet,” Hilton said. “There’s been heaps of chatter, and with coverage in the local papers the word has spread pretty quickly.” Hilton also highlighted the broader significance of the initiative. “There’s been a real push from Otago Cricket to make sure Southland isn’t forgotten, and from a local cricket perspective that means a lot to the wider community.” 

Queen’s Park has hosted Volts Ford Trophy matches for the past few seasons following a major outfield redevelopment prompted by drainage issues. Since returning to Invercargill, the Volts have enjoyed success at the venue, recording two wins from three matches, including one rain-affected fixture. They will be eager to continue that form in the new strip. 

After a challenging opening to their Ford Trophy campaign, the Volts will be looking to regain momentum against their South Island rivals, who have had the upper hand in recent encounters. Jarrod McKay will aim to build on his strong season as the competition’s fifth-leading wicket-taker, while Max Chu comes into the match off an impressive Super Smash campaign and a key innings against Northern Districts. 

The match also coincides with the announcement of QBE Insurance as a new national sponsor of community cricket in New Zealand, marking a first-of-its-kind partnership that unites regional cricket under a single nationwide initiative. QBE will also feature as a sleeve sponsor on the Southland jersey, further demonstrating its support for the summer game. 

Otago Cricket and New Zealand Cricket have welcomed the partnership and are excited about the impact it will have across the game. 

Making a bigger difference in our communities 

We’ve partnered with QBE Insurance because we share a simple belief: strong communities make the biggest difference. 

Across Auckland, Central Districts, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago, we see what cricket gives back every day — volunteers showing up week after week, young players building confidence, and families finding connection through the game. Grassroots cricket is about so much more than what happens on the field; it’s a powerful part of community life. 

By partnering with QBE in a first‑of‑its‑kind national initiative, regional cricket is coming together under one partnership to make a bigger, more lasting impact across Aotearoa. Together, the focus is on what really matters for the future of the game: supporting and celebrating volunteers, growing junior cricket, and creating more inclusive pathways for girls to thrive. 

Why QBE? 

For more than 130 years, QBE has helped protect businesses around the world. In New Zealand, it combines global experience with local expertise — working alongside Kiwi businesses and communities to support them through the challenges that matter most. 

QBE backs the people and industries that keep the country moving, from small businesses and large organisations to major infrastructure. Behind every policy is a livelihood and a future worth protecting, and when it counts, customers know they’re supported by people who genuinely care. 

“At QBE, people are at the heart of everything we do. It’s about giving our customers and communities the confidence to grow, change, and thrive.” Jonathan Groves, CEO & Managing Director, QBE Pacific 

This focus on people, resilience and long‑term impact is what makes the partnership with cricket such a natural fit. Just as QBE brings global strength and local insight to supporting New Zealand businesses, it is proud to stand behind cricket communities across the country — backing the people who make the game possible, today and into the future. 

The Ford Trophy Match in Invercargill begins at 10:30am, February 10.  

Follow along with live scoring at scoring.nzc.nz, or on Youtube for a live stream.

Article added: Friday 06 February 2026