Two members of the Sydney University Water Polo Club have been recognised among the country’s top men’s water polo talent, with Loui Schuler and Zac Izzard selected in Water Polo Australia’s newly announced national squads for 2026.
Schuler, an alumnus of the University of Sydney’s Elite Athlete Program and a current Sydney University Water Polo Club player, has been named in the 2026 Ord Minnet Aussie Sharks team, Australia’s senior men’s national squad ahead of the pivotal international cycle.
Current EAP student and Sydney Uni Water Polo club member Zac Izzard has also earned national recognition, being selected for the inaugural Men’s National Development Squad.
The selection comes as Water Polo Australia reintroduces formal senior and development squad structures as part of a broader high-performance strategy leading towards the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympics Games.
For Schuler, selections in the senior squad place him among an experienced national group preparing for a major year that includes the 2026 World Cup Finals in Sydney. Nine members of the squad represented Australia at the Paris Olympic Games, with the program entering a significant phase under Head Coach Tim Hamill.
Schuler has continued to develop through Sydney University’s high-performance environment and remains a key figure within Sydney University Water Polo Club setup, combining domestic competition with nationals team opportunities.
Izzard’s inclusion in the newly formed Development Squad signals his emergence as one of the country’s leading prospects. The squad has been established to expose athletes to elite training environments and provide a direct pathway into the senior national program.
With strong performances for the club, the selection offers more opportunities to train alongside some of Australia’s best players.
Water Polo Australia General Manager of High Performance, Andrew Pratley,described the introduction of the Development Squad as an important step in strengthening the national pathways system.
The announcement represents another significant outcome for Sydney University’s elite athlete and club programs, with both Schuler and Izzard continuing the club’s strong presence within Australian representative water polo.
