Since its launch in 2022 under the auspices of the International (FIP) and French (FFP) polo federations, the Polo Nations Cup has become the must-attend event at the start of the French season. Now in its third year, the international tournament has reached a new milestone with the participation of polo powerhouses Australia and Argentina, as well as the United Arab Emirates. This is major recognition for this young competition, which is now firmly established on the international scene.
Another significant development for 2025 is the inaugural Ladies Polo Nations Cup, featuring six teams representing five nations: France (with two regions), Ireland, Denmark, Israel, and Luxembourg.
An increasingly international competition!
From 12 to 22 June, ten teams from seven countries, including four French teams representing Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA), Normandy, Occitanie and Paris, will compete in Chantilly. As polo is a mixed sport, some of the teams will be led by women, including Françoise Okala and Isabelle Larenaudie leading two french teams.
Argentina is bringing one of its best players to Chantilly: Matias Torres Zavaleta, a regular at the Palermo Open who is playing his first season in France this year. He will be joined by the Zavaleta brothers (no relation), who are the current champions with Occitanie. This year, they have chosen 20-year-old Elouan Badarello, one of the most promising young players in French polo, to complete the team.
Jean-Claude Legrand, true to his commitment to French professionals, will be fielding a 100% French team (Édouard Pan, Louis Jarrige, Julien Reynes) in the colours of PACA, winners of the 2023 edition.
Australia will be represented by David Paradice, who is competing in Chantilly for the first time and is currently contesting the Queen’s Cup at Windsor with Adolfo Cambiaso. In Chantilly, he will be counting on a solid trio of professionals: Argentinians Jota Chavanne and Hilario Ruiz Guiñazu, as well as Dorian Bulteau, a young French talent from the club.
An ambitious first edition for women!
Like all equestrian disciplines in which men and women compete against each other, polo is no exception as demonstrated by Françoise Okala and Isabelle Larenaudie, leading two teams competing in the mixed tournament. Meanwhile, women’s polo is experiencing a significant surge in popularity, with an increasing number of dedicated competitions. From 18 to 22 June, the inaugural Ladies Polo Nations Cup promises some thrilling matches. Joining team Normandy will be Milagros Sanchez, an Argentinian player who took part in the Argentine Open. The other French team, representing Hauts-de-France, will be led by Ambre Ploix, one of the top three players in France.
Ireland will be led by Siobhan Herbst and will have a full team of players and horses, backed up by England’s Sara Wiseman. Finally, Paloma Lauro will lead Luxembourg, who have put their faith in a well-oiled team bringing together the three reigning French champions: Charlotte Garaud, Margaux Perruchot and Adèle Renauldon. This valuable cohesion could make all the difference.
And there’s more to come: France-Brazil on 27 June
The international battles continue with a France-Brazil test match on Friday 27 June in Chantilly. A game of World Championship standard (14 goals) with a certain history: in 2004, Brazil conquered the world title right here in Chantilly. Twenty years on, they’re back.
Live coverage on Pololine TV
Schedule and results on Chukker App and at www.poloclubchantilly.com