Superstar Jack Besgrove to lead Australia title defence at WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup
Men’s softball standout Jack Besgrove will be the ace of the Australian team aiming to repeat as U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup champions after Softball Australia announced their roster for the second edition of the tournament in Sincelejo, Colombia. The championship runs from 25 April to 3 May 2026.
Besgrove aims to earn his third WBSC World Cup title, having won the Men’s Softball World Cup 2022 in Auckland, New Zealand, and the inaugural U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup 2023 in Paraná, Argentina — where he was named MVP following Australia’s 1–0 victory in the final.
The left-handed pitcher won’t be alone in his quest to retain the U-23 world championship, as Haydan Dobe also returns for his second U-23 world tournament.
Australia's roster for the U-23 Men's Softball World Cup:
- Ayden Champneys
- Nicholas Crouch
- Jack Besgrove
- Joel Byrne
- Haydan Dobe
- Alex Duncalfe
- Austin Gooden
- Lachlan Hort
- Brian Kirkup
- Gorie List
- Boston Lowe
- Thomas McCarroll
- Kynan Molander
- Kayne Richmann
- Oliver Stewart
- Jy Thurstun
Coaching & Support Staff
- Head Coach: Scott Sunley
- Assistant Coaches: Isaac Caloiero-Smith, Joel Goodall
- Team Manager: Andrea Mansfield
- Video Analyst: Tony Jackson
- Physiotherapist: Harry Pearce
Scott Sunley, who coached the Australian U-23 World Champions in 2023 and managed the senior team during the 2024 Men’s Softball World Cup group stage in Hermosillo, returns to lead the team.
World No. 6 Australia opens their campaign in Group B against No. 8 Mexico on Opening Day, followed by matches against No. 4 Canada, No. 2 Venezuela, No. 19 Denmark, and No. 10 Singapore. The top three teams from each group will progress to the Super Round on 30 April–2 May, with the World Championship Final set for 3 May.