We are excited to announce the teams that will compete for the Olympic Trophy this summer, in an International Test Match at Chestertons Polo In The Park on 5 June 2026. This iconic match is a favourite with the London crowds and brings polo back to its home at Hurlingham Park, London, with three action-packed days of polo. Using a unique, three-player format, Polo In The Park combines the speed and excitement of outdoor polo with the close-up excitement of the arena.
England will be led by Max Charlton (6), whose affinity for fast, competitive, and close-up polo put him right at home on the condensed Hurlingham field – he has appeared in the past three runnings of this match, most recently against Argentina in 2025.
Also making a return to the park is Ed Banner-Eve (5), who last played here for Ireland in 2023, and England Women’s captain Hazel Jackson (2), who made history here in 2017 as the first woman to play in the tournament.
England captain Max Charlton says “It’s brilliant to bring polo to a different audience at such a unique venue, and I can’t wait to play at Chesterton’s Polo In The Park again this year. It promises to be a thrilling game between two strong teams. Hazel and Ed are fantastic players and we’re looking forward to giving the South Africa team a run for their money in front of our home crowd.”
Hazel Jackson, the only female player in this year’s game, says, “I’m really excited, it’s always a privilege to represent England, and even more so to represent the England mixed team. The South Africa team looks really tough – I think it will be a very physical game! – but I cannot wait to come back to Polo In The Park. The event is amazing and I think you can’t beat that atmosphere on the side of a polo field.”
Facing England will be an experienced South African side of Dirk van Reenen (5), Dane Csazsar (3), and Chris Lund (4). Captain Dirk is a stalwart of South African polo who has represented his country since the age of 15. Dane and Chris both of played key roles in hard-fought victories over England towards the end of last year and will be keen to replicate that on the Hurlingham field. Craig James will serve as reserve for the fixture.
“Playing international polo in England is always special, but doing so in the centre of London at Chestertons Polo In The Park, in front of such a passionate crowd, takes it to another level,” says Dirk. “There is a strong South African community in the UK, and we always feel that support when we are here. Representing our country on this stage is something that we are incredibly proud of, and we are looking forward to putting on a good show for London’s many South Africans this year!”
Chestertons Polo In The Park is the unmissable London polo event of the summer. Not only can you watch three fast-paced matches of polo a day, but tickets include the finest ingredients for the perfect weekend party. This ultimate summer social brings fashion, food, fun and family together; shop the latest trends, enter style competitions, enjoy delicious street eats in the all new Fulham Food Festival, relax in one of the many pitch-side bars, or party hard with great live music and DJ’s in the legendary Mahiki tent.
To get your tickets for this brilliant event, visit Chestertons Polo In The Park today!
