Black Sticks' Nick Ross in action. Photo: Photosport
New Zealand men's hockey midfielder Nick Ross is hanging up his stick, saying he can't commit to the demands required at international level.
A dependable and experienced player, Ross debuted for New Zealand against Malaysia in 2013, going on to earn 143 caps as a regular inclusion in the Black Sticks.
Ross was a driving force behind the midfield unit which helped win silver at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, as well as playing at the Tokyo Olympics and competing at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
After taking a year off post-Olympics in anticipation of the birth of his son, Ross rejoined the side for the 2022 World Cup before deciding to call it quits at the top level.
"It was a concentrated campaign for me and one I really enjoyed but it was full on balancing training, work, and family.
"I love playing for NZ, but I also have high expectations of myself and that demands a level of training that perhaps no longer sits at the top of my list."
Hockey New Zealand general manager high performance Darren Smith, who coached Ross for a number of years in the Black Sticks, was effusive in his praise of Ross.
"Rossy was a key figure in my teams throughout the time I was leading the Vantage Black Sticks Men, an absolute pleasure to coach, he's a very skilful, committed, and competitive athlete.
"He can look back and be immensely proud, not just for the hockey but for the way he balanced it with a career away from the game, neither at the detriment to the other.
"One of the parts I enjoyed the most in recent times was watching him lead Otago to Challenge Shield glory last year and the mana he had within that team - a real testament to the type of person he is."
- RNZ
