Dates Set for 2026 IIJL Commonwealth Cup in Australia

For the fourth consecutive year the CLL's Canada Development Team (CANDT) will travel to Melbourne, Australia at the end of February to compete at the 2026 IIJL Commonwealth Cup, hosted by Australian Box Lacrosse (ABL) and Altona Lacrosse Club. 

The 2026 IIJL Commonwealth Cup will take place February 27 — March 2, 2026, featuring a six game, four team Round-Robin, and culminate with a two game Medal Round. 

An exciting addition to the 2026 IIJL Commonwealth Cup is the inclusion of a team from New Zealand. Sparked by the success of Nathan Honeyfield and Harley Stevens as dispensation players for Australia at the 2025 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship, the New Zealand entry marks their international box lacrosse debut at any level. 

[PHOTO Luke Hannah: Lucas Deshon at the 2024 IIJL Commonwealth Cup]

In addition to welcoming the team from New Zealand, the 2026 IIJL Commonwealth Cup will see CLL expand on joint-practices and offer full Coaching and Officiating Clinics on the final day of Round-Robin play Sunday morning. CLL VP of Lacrosse Operations, Marty O'Neill, will continue his Goaltending Clinic—with an expanding call to all local field lacrosse goaltenders interested in putting on pads and learning how to translate field goaltending skills to box lacrosse. 

"Over the last few years it has been exciting to see the Australians develop into real box lacrosse players" said O'Neill. "I've had the pleasure of working with Lucas Deshon, one player who comes to mind, he's developed into one of the best young goals in the world." O'Neill added. 

Everything will take place at the beautiful Altona Lacrosse Club with games being played on Alan Lewer Box Court—the only dedicated box lacrosse facility in the southern hemisphere. 

[PHOTO: Alan Lewer Box Court Altona Lacrosse Club]

"We're excited to return to Australia and provide junior lacrosse players the opportunity to compete internationally" said Chris Fox, CLL President. "While we give our Alumni priority to join us in Australia, our staff has already opened applications for new Canadian players who are interested in this amazing opportunity" Fox added. 

Australian players who competing at the 2026 IIJL Commonwealth Cup will be provided the opportunity to meet with CLL staff and explore possibilities to play junior lacrosse in Canada during the summer in North America, May-August. 

Players interested in joining CLL and compete at the 2026 IIJl Commonwealth Cup are encouraged to complete a Player Application (click) on the CLL website. 

In addition to a full slate of games and being ambassadors for box lacrosse, the CLL player's trip to Australia includes all of the tourist sights and sounds of Melbourne, team building activities, and day trips to world-class beaches. Lastly, no trip down-under is complete without seeing some kangaroos!