FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

21 May 2026

NSW refereeing excellence recognised with Nick Hodgers and Ash Kaesler appointed to 2026 World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Finals in Sydney

Water Polo NSW Life Member, former President and Olympic referee Nick Hodgers has been appointed as a referee for the 2026 World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Finals, to be held in Sydney from 22–26 July 2026. He will be joined on the referee panel by Ash Kaesler, who, although now Queensland-based, began her refereeing career in New South Wales.

SYDNEY, NSW: Water Polo NSW is proud to congratulate Nick Hodgers and Ash Kaesler on their appointments as referees for the 2026 World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Finals, marking a proud moment for the NSW water polo community.

Hodgers’ appointment continues an outstanding period at the highest level of international water polo officiating. A Water Polo NSW Life Member and former President, he has made an enormous contribution to the sport as a referee, administrator, mentor and volunteer.

His selection for the Sydney World Cup Finals follows appointments to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025, further cementing his reputation as one of the world’s leading water polo referees.

Water Polo NSW also congratulates Ash Kaesler, who has been appointed to the referee panel for the Sydney event. While Kaesler is now based in Queensland, her refereeing journey began in New South Wales, making her appointment another proud reflection of the strength of the NSW officiating pathway.

The World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Finals will bring the world’s top men’s and women’s national teams to Sydney from 22–26 July 2026, with the event set to showcase elite international water polo on home soil.

Shannan Johansen, President, Water Polo NSW, said the appointments of Hodgers and Kaesler are a significant recognition of the quality of officials developed through the NSW water polo community.

“Nick’s appointment to the World Cup Finals in Sydney is a wonderful recognition of his skill, professionalism and standing in the international game,” Johansen said.

“To see a Water Polo NSW Life Member and former President appointed to a home World Cup is incredibly special. Nick has given so much to our sport, and this honour reflects not only his world-class refereeing ability, but also his long-term commitment to players, coaches, officials and the wider water polo community.”

Johansen also said Kaesler’s appointment was a moment to celebrate.

“We are also delighted to see Ash Kaesler appointed to the referee panel. Although Ash is now based in Queensland, she began her refereeing career in NSW, and her success is something our community can be very proud of.

“Her appointment is a great example of the opportunities available through the NSW officiating pathway and provides further inspiration for the next generation of officials across the state.”

Hodgers said it was an honour to be appointed to the World Cup Finals in Sydney.

“It is a tremendous honour to be appointed to the World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Finals, and even more special to have the event taking place in Sydney,” Hodgers said.

“NSW has played a huge role in my water polo journey, so to be involved in a major international event at home is something I am very proud of.”

Kaesler said her appointment was especially meaningful given her NSW refereeing roots.

“I am very proud to be appointed to the World Cup Finals in Sydney,” Kaesler said.

“My refereeing career started in NSW, so it is special to be involved in such a major international event in a place that played an important role in my development as an official.”

Johansen said the appointments demonstrate what is possible for officials who are committed to learning, improving and staying involved in the game.

“Appointments like this show that refereeing is a genuine pathway in water polo.”

“We hope Nick and Ash’s achievements encourage more people across NSW to consider refereeing and to see the opportunities it can provide at every level of the sport.”

Water Polo NSW congratulates Nick and Ash on their appointments and looks forward to seeing officials with strong NSW connections represented on the world stage in Sydney this July.

ENDS