History made!

UNSW Handball has made history, becoming the first men's Australian club to win the New Zealand Handball Club Championship after completing an undefeated campaign in Wellington, culminating in a 36–29 grand final victory over Auckland.

The Bulldogs claimed their first title in club history at the 2026 New Zealand Handball Club Championship, held from 10–13 September, winning all five matches across four days to secure a landmark achievement for the club and Australian handball.

The championship marks a remarkable turnaround for UNSW, which returned to Wellington determined to make amends for a disappointing bronze medal match defeat at the 2025 tournament. Twelve months later, the Bulldogs went two steps further, navigating three pool matches, a semi-final and the championship decider without defeat to become the first Australian men's club to lift the trophy.

UNSW captain and Elite Athlete Program (EAP) member Lucas Velasque said the disappointment of the previous year had provided plenty of motivation heading into the tournament, with the squad confident it had the talent and determination to challenge for the title.

"After a disappointing loss in the bronze medal match last year, we definitely wanted to bounce back stronger with a statement performance," Velasque said. "We believed this year we had the team to do it. Even with last-minute additions to the team and last-minute injuries, we still managed to get a team together and played with passion and the mentality that we wanted to win."

Despite the disruptions to the squad's preparation, UNSW produced a flawless campaign, progressing through the pool stages before overcoming its semi-final opponent to book a place in the championship decider against Auckland.

The Bulldogs saved one final statement for the grand final, defeating Auckland 36–29 to complete their unbeaten run and secure the club's maiden championship title. The achievement was made even more significant by the composition of the squad, which brought together experienced senior players and emerging junior talent. Velasque said the contributions of players across the entire team had been instrumental in the championship success.

"Having a diverse team with experienced senior players and developing junior players, everyone had the chance to step up and help the team," he said.

"I'm glad we gave everyone that opportunity."

For Velasque, the historic victory carried particular personal significance. The UNSW captain was able to celebrate the club's greatest achievement alongside teammates he has played with since his early teenage years, as well as his brother Alexis Velasque, who wore the number 29 jersey throughout the tournament.

The opportunity to share such a significant moment with his brother and long-time teammates made the championship triumph an especially memorable milestone in his handball career.

"As captain and a UNSW elite athlete, I am extremely proud of this group," Velasque said. "Being able to do this with club teammates I've had since I was 14 years old, and sharing the court with my brother, Alexis, is even more special."Winning the club title is a huge honour, and there are many more to come!"

The victory represents a significant milestone for UNSW Handball, with the club converting the disappointment of its 2025 campaign into a historic championship just 12 months later. Having overcome late changes to the playing squad and injuries, the Bulldogs demonstrated their depth and determination across the four-day competition, with contributions from both experienced players and the next generation helping deliver the club's first title.

For a team that arrived in Wellington seeking redemption, the tournament ended with an achievement that extended beyond the club itself, establishing UNSW as the first Australian men's winner in the competition's history.