NZOC Names Commonwealth Games Judo Team
The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC), alongside Judo New Zealand has today named seven athletes to the New Zealand Team for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
NZ Team Judo athletes:
• Moira de Villiers (CJA CA)– Women’s Under 70kg
• Noah Walliss (BIG AK) – Men’s Under 90kg
• Qona Christie (WEL WN) – Women’s Under 63kg
• Kody Andrews (CJA CA) – Men’s +100kg
• Elliott Connolly (CJA CA) – Men’s Under 90kg
• Matthew Rowley (CJA CA) – Men’s Under 100kg
• Joel Robinson (CHR CA) – Men’s Under 73kg
• Sydnee Andrews* (GIS WB) – Women’s +78kg
*Selection of Sydnee Andrews is conditional.
The Judo team brings recent Commonwealth Games experience to the NZ Team, with three medallists returning from Birmingham 2022 with Kody Andrews claiming silver and Sydnee Andrews and Moira de Villiers bronze medals in 2022.
One of New Zealand’s most experienced judoka players, de Villiers, is a two-time Olympian and two-time Commonwealth Games competitor.
“Glasgow 2014 was my first Commonwealth Games, I have fond memories of competing there and I’m looking forward to going back,” said de Villiers.
“Wearing the fern and competing for the New Zealand Team is something I never take for granted. I’ve been fortunate enough to attend multiple Games but the pride, passion and drive to represent my country never gets old,” she said.
NZOC CEO, Nicki Nicol, said selection to the New Zealand Team represents a major milestone for the athletes.
“I want to congratulate these athletes on making the NZ Team for Glasgow 2026. This is a proud moment for them and their families and reflects the years of commitment and discipline to their sport,” said Nicol.
“Judo has a strong history of representing New Zealand with pride on the international stage. We know this group will carry that tradition forward in Glasgow and embrace the opportunity to compete alongside the best athletes from across the Commonwealth.”
Judo New Zealand President, David Browne, said the selected athletes had shown consistency and growth throughout the campaign.
“This group has put in the work over a sustained period and has met the standards required to be competitive at the Games,” said Browne.
“We’re excited to see this group compete on the Glasgow stage. Selection is just one step in the journey and their focus now moves towards preparation and execution.”
Judo competition at Glasgow 2026 will take place in the final weekend of the Games at the SEC Centre, with around 160 athletes competing across 14 weight categories.
