Across 18 Tests, Ryder scored 1,269 runs at an average of 40.93, including three centuries and a career-best 201. He added another 1,362 runs from 48 ODIs, striking at more than 95, and 457 runs in T20 internationals.
Ryder also made an immediate impact on his Black Clash debut earlier this year, blasting 86 runs from just 48 balls in a match-winning knock for Team Cricket.
“It was awesome being part of the Black Clash earlier this year and I had a lot of fun out there. It’s an amazing atmosphere and those competitive juices don’t go away. I managed to get a few away last time, so hopefully I can do the same again at Hagley in Jan,” says Ryder.
Ryder’s addition gives Team Cricket even more firepower as it prepares to face a new look Team Rugby + Friends, led by Kieran Read and featuring Israel Dagg and two-time Olympic medallist Tom Walsh.
For the first time in 2027, Read is able to recruit sporting stars from beyond rugby as part of Team Rugby + Friends, adding a new dimension to one of New Zealand’s favourite sporting rivalries.
More player announcements – including the all-important wildcards – will be revealed in the coming weeks.
GWM JOINS BLACK CLASH AS ASSOCIATION PARTNER
Black Clash is also welcoming GWM as its new Association Partner, with the 2027 event officially becoming the Hot Spring T20 Black Clash in association with GWM.
GWM has been part of the New Zealand automotive market for 18 years and continues to grow its presence across the country. Its expanding range spans SUVs and utes, with
petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains giving New Zealand drivers a broad range of options.
GWM New Zealand’s Country Manager Cameron Thomas says the Hot Spring T20 Black Clash is exactly the kind of media partnership that feels right for GWM in New Zealand.
“The Hot Spring T20 Black Clash is a uniquely Kiwi event that brings together some of the country’s biggest sporting personalities in a way that is competitive, entertaining and fun.
For us, it’s about more than putting the GWM logo on a sporting event. We want to be part of experiences that Kiwis genuinely enjoy and connect with, and the Black Clash gives us the opportunity to bring our brand to life in a way that feels authentic and natural.
We’re excited to be part of such a major summer event and to create some memorable moments for fans, while continuing to build GWM as a brand that is proudly local in the way we show up and always looking for ways to do more for New Zealanders.”
Duco Events Event Director Carlena Limmer says GWM is a natural fit for the event.
“Black Clash has always had incredibly broad appeal, bringing together sports fans, families and groups of mates for one of the great nights of the Kiwi summer. GWM shares that authentic connection with New Zealanders, and we’re really excited to welcome them on board.
“And Jesse is exactly the kind of player Black Clash is made for. His 86 off 48 balls earlier this year was pure entertainment – he can change a game in a matter of overs, and we can’t wait to see what he does at Hagley in January,” says Limmer.
Fans can expect to see GWM integrated across the Black Clash campaign and event experience as the countdown to Hagley Oval continues.
HOT SPRING T20 BLACK CLASH IN ASSOCIATION WITH GWM
Friday 22 January 2027
Hagley Oval, Christchurch
The 2027 event will mark the ninth edition of the Hot Spring T20 Black Clash and the fifth time Hagley Oval has hosted the cross-code showdown since the inaugural event in 2019.
Played under lights on a Friday night, the Black Clash has established itself as a staple of the Kiwi summer, bringing together some of New Zealand’s biggest sporting names for a unique mix of cricket, fierce rivalry and entertainment.
Team Cricket currently leads the rivalry 6–2, but with Team Rugby now able to recruit sporting talent from beyond rugby – and both sides able to field two wildcards – there are plenty more surprises still to come.
TEAM CRICKET
Tim Southee (Captain)
Lou Vincent
Neil Wagner
Jesse Ryder
More players to be announced
TEAM RUGBY + FRIENDS
Kieran Read (Captain)
Israel Dagg
Tom Walsh
More players to be announced
Tickets are on sale now at blackclash.co.nz
PARTNERS:
Hot Spring | GWM | ChristchurchNZ | DB Export Ultra | KFC | SnackaChangi | Skechers | Cookie Time | Rydges Latimer Christchurch | Lake Chalice Wines | Radio Hauraki | The Hits | TVNZ | Paladin | Kookaburra | SCG | Continental Hire | Go Media | Flicket
Media Contact:
Carlena Limmer
Event Director, Duco Events
Mobile: +64 21 930 480
Email: carlena.limmer@ducoevents.com
