Mark Seager (#47) – NZ U18 Men’s team, 2021 Australian U18 State Championships
Waipā pair Bastiaan Banks and Mark Seager are set to don the silver fern for New Zealand at the Asia-Pacific Lacrosse Union men’s championship qualifier next month in Wellington.
Mark Seager (#47- middle) – NZ U18 Men’s team, 2021 Australian U18 State Championships
The January 6-11 tournament will feature teams from Australia, China, Hong Kong China, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea. New Zealand will compete for a place in the 2027 Division 1 World Lacrosse Men’s Championships.
Banks, a University of Waikato student balancing a conjoint business and science degree with his sporting commitments, first picked up a lacrosse stick at intermediate school.
“I’ve always been someone who likes to try new things. Lacrosse was another step in trying something new. I was inspired by the opportunities to represent my school [Cambridge High] and quickly move into Waikato U15 and U18 teams. It was cool to pretty easily represent your region; I really enjoyed that.”
Seagar meanwhile, began his lacrosse journey in 2021 during his final year of high school, encouraged by friends.
“My mates played it, so I thought I’d give it a go,” Seagar, who played squash for Te Awamutu and Pirongia clubs, said.
Bastiaan Banks (#3, third from right) and NZ U20 Men’s teammates during the pre-game karakia, 2025 U20 World Championship
Now a second-year apprentice in Ōtorohanga, he balances work with his sporting ambitions.
“It’s tough to find time to train, as we’re ramping up to Wellington and coming into our busy time at work. When I do it’s mainly after work, when I go to the gym and do strength and conditioning. Weekends are games in Auckland on Saturday’s, and then NZ training on Sunday’s.”
Both players have progressed through the ranks, with Banks representing New Zealand at U18 and U20 levels, and now the men’s national team. Segar has also enjoyed the camaraderie and travel that lacrosse has brought: “Being able to go to a couple of different countries so far and compete with my mates who I’ve grown up with for years is really special.”
NZ U20 Men’s team pay tribute to their supporters, 2025 U20 Men’s World Championship
Representing New Zealand on the international stage is a source of pride for both. Bas says, “The opportunity to develop under world-class coaches and play at the highest level has helped me grow as a player. Doing the haka before the game is something unique that New Zealand brings to the game of lacrosse.” Mark adds, “It’s a niche sport that not many people know about, so it’s amazing that we can still represent our country in a sport we love.”
Mark Seager (left), NZ U18 Men’s team, 2022 Australian U18 State Championships
The upcoming APLU Qualifier is a major milestone for New Zealand lacrosse. “It’s a perfect occasion for NZ to showcase our home-grown talent, with some world-class talent playing in our country.” Bas explains. Mark is looking forward to the home advantage: “With the Asia Pacific qualifier being in Wellington, we finally get to play overseas teams on home soil which will be a good experience.”
Both are passionate about the future of lacrosse in New Zealand. Bas sees the biggest opportunities in growing the game at primary and intermediate levels: “Lacrosse is a fun game – it’s really enjoyable and gets easier the more you play. By developing early skill pathways, we’ll lead to NZ competing at a higher level internationally and many more people involved in the game.” Mark agrees, highlighting the importance of high school age competitions and opportunities to play overseas.
Waipa can be proud of Bastiaan Banks, Mark Seager, and other Waipa players named in the New Zealand squad, as they take on the best in the Asia-Pacific region and aim for a place on the world stage.
Mark Seager (#47) – NZ U18 Men’s team, 2021 Australian U18 State Championships
