Russell said it would be awesome to represent his country at such a prestigious event and an opportunity he could not turn down. It was a logical move for him, as he wanted to retain his place in the squad after being chosen earlier in the year.
"Everyone is based in Auckland and I want to train with the team on a full-time basis."
The national selectors had told him if he wanted to cement his place in the team, Auckland was where he should go.
When not training, Russell hopes to get involved with coaching at the junior level.
He said he would love to play hockey full-time for a living, and wanted to go as far as he could in the sport.
It has been a stellar year for the backfield player. In May, he was selected for the Junior Black Sticks for a series of games in Dunedin and on Monday he will leave for Malaysia to play eight games.
He was also part of the Black Sticks team which went to Perth for a nine-a-side tournament, where it played four games against hockey's powerhouse nations Australia, Pakistan and India.
"It was a wonderful experience and I hope it was just a taste of things to come," he said.
The skills Russell learnt at the tournament and the selectors' feedback would help him improve his game, he said.
Russell is part of New Zealand's high performance programme. He said there was no way he would be able to pursue his dream without their support.
"They have given me the skills to develop a sharper mental edge, provided nutrition for me, a trainer at the gym and help me when I need to apply for funding".
Russell will remain a member of the Southern Men hockey team and will travel from Auckland for its home games.
He said although it would be hard not being able to train with the side as much as he had done in the past, he was passionate about continuing to represent his province.
"I will always play for Southern Men." Russell left Otago Boys' High School last year. He excelled at athletics as a javelin thrower, was a promising pace bowler in its First XI cricket side and a member of its top hockey team.
He said he decided to stick with hockey because he enjoyed the intense, fast-paced style of the sport.
Russell started playing hockey as a 7-year-old.
He had his mother and father to thank for getting him into the sport. He said they were proud followers and supporters as he pursued his dream.
Russell came through the Academy Otago programme.
Brad Evans (bike) and Katie Kenneally (swimming) have also come through the programme and have competed at the World University Games, while year-two athletes Sophie Williamson claimed bronze at the junior world track championships, Duncan Croudis was awarded a golf scholarship in United States and Shaun Scott has been selected in the Black Jacks.
