Team New Zealand Announces Flagbearers for RR2025

Team New Zealand is proud to announce rhythmic gymnast Havana Hopman and water polo player Josef Schuler as its official flagbearers for the 2025 FISU World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany.

Selected for their excellence in sport, commitment to their teammates, and embodiment of Team New Zealand’s values, Havana and Josef will lead the New Zealand delegation into the Opening Ceremony  - a moment that recognises not just sporting achievement, but leadership, character, and heart.

Chef de Mission Evelyn Williamson said the pair were outstanding choices, symbolising the mana, humility, and determination of the team.

“Carrying the flag is one of the greatest honours in sport,” she said. “It’s not just about leading the team into the stadium, it’s about representing who we are as a sporting nation. Havana and Josef are both admired by their teammates for their character as much as their sporting success. They lead with quiet confidence and genuine care, and we’re incredibly proud to have them at the front of our team.”

Havana Hopman - Rhythmic Gymnastics

Beginning gymnastics at just seven years old, Havana Hopman has worked tirelessly to represent New Zealand at the highest level - and now she will carry the nation’s flag into her second major international opening ceremony.

Havana made her international debut in 2022, competing in World Cups across Europe and Asia, before finishing 9th in the ribbon final at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games - a standout moment in her career. In 2023, she made history by securing New Zealand’s best-ever result at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships and claiming the Oceania title. Her 2025 season has been equally impressive, with finals at the prestigious Thiais Grand Prix and top-20 finishes at elite global events.

But what sets Havana apart isn’t just her results, it’s her integrity, warmth, and leadership.

“Being selected to be the flag bearer is an incredible honour,” she said. “Every time I put on the fern, it’s a proud moment. It’s a reminder of all the work behind the scenes, and how lucky I am to do what I love. I don’t see it as a sacrifice. I do it because I love it.”

A Health Sciences student at the University of Auckland and a member of the Sport NZ Athletes’ Council, Havana balances elite competition with academics and athlete advocacy. Her teammates describe her as humble, hardworking, and quietly inspiring - a natural leader who lifts everyone around her.

“I always know I perform better when I’m having fun,” she shared. “That’s my goal in Germany - to be really present in the moment, to connect with the crowd, and hopefully make them smile and clap along with my routines.”

Rhine-Ruhr will be Havana’s second Opening Ceremony, but this one carries special weight.

“This feels different. To be entrusted with this role, to represent not just gymnastics but the entire team, is very special. I just want to make everyone proud.”

Josef Schuler - Water Polo

Josef Schuler has earned his place as flagbearer through years of dedication, leadership, and quiet excellence in and out of the pool.

A three-time national club champion, Josef is known less for chasing headlines and more for showing up, doing the work, and supporting those around him. Whether it’s mentoring young athletes, staying calm under pressure, or setting the tone in the locker room, Josef leads by example.

“Being chosen as flag bearer is the highlight of my sporting career,” he said, "and speaking to mum and dad and having them say how proud they were of the announcement was definitely very moving.”

This moment also carries a special family connection.

“My little brother’s on the team too, so to be here with him that’s really special. And my dad played for the New Zealand Universities rugby team back in the day and was also an All Black. So in a way, we’re continuing something together, following in his footsteps.”

As a player, Josef is admired for his humility and grit. As a teammate, he’s deeply respected for his composure and commitment. And as a leader, he embodies everything it means to wear the silver fern.

With New Zealand’s men’s water polo team aiming to make history at these Games, Josef will lead the charge, not just into the stadium, but into the heart of the competition.

“There’s no doubt these Games are going to be special,” he said. “For me, it’s about giving back and showing the younger guys that hard work and heart matter. I’m honoured to carry the flag, but even more honoured to do it as part of this team.”

As Team New Zealand prepares to take the world stage in Rhine-Ruhr, the selection of Havana and Josef as flagbearers is a powerful statement of the team’s values and New Zealand can be confident it will be led into the Games with dignity, strength, and heart.